Women React to Palin Speech

The response to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in the convention hall was raucous and supportive -- and it was only slightly less enthusiastic in the living room of one undecided voter in the Midwest.

Linda Beebe, 59, a voter in Michigan, had been leaning toward Sen. Barack Obama before Palin's speech on Wednesday night. Before the Alaska governor had even finished speaking, though, Beebe had changed her mind.

"Could we drop off McCain and just have her?" Beebe said in a telephone interview. "She's talking about the things that concern myself and people I know. I know there's a big world out there, but if we're not healthy at home, how can we help outside home? She sounds pretty good."

Beebe said she did not like the negative attacks on Obama; she also said she did not particularly like McCain. "But I kind of like her," Beebe said. "She sounds like she wants to help Americans bring home the type of lifestyle we've had and help build up America."

But in the home of another independent voter, Laura Bates, 45, of Madison, Conn., the reaction was more muted. "She gives a good speech, and she's talking to the people in her audience -- but she seems antagonistic, and I'm not impressed," said Bates, who supported Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the primaries. "I'd say it's about 100 percent I'd vote for Obama at this point. She hasn't really said anything constructive ... and she's been a little negative and smug."

Donna Lang, a food services employee in Massachusetts, said before Palin's speech that she would be supporting the Republican ticket -- and did not even need to watch the speech to know it.

After supporting Clinton in the primary, Lang said, she had been undecided until last week.
"Today I'm voting for McCain," Lang said. "I think it's a smart move for him to pick a woman, because all of us who have voted for Hillary Clinton have no one to vote for." --Kyle Dropp and Anne E. Kornblut

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Bridget Brophy sprawled on the floor of her spartan off-campus apartment in front of her 13-inch television, excited and curious as Palin took the stage.

"All right, girl, let's see what you've got," said Brophy, a junior at the University of Virginia.

Brophy played hostess to four members of the Network of Enlightened Women, a conservative women's book club at the college. All were eager to hear from Palin after nearly a week of news reports that had shaped their first impressions.

They sat silently through much of the speech, as Palin praised John McCain and filled out her story.

The camera zoomed in on two of Palin's daughters, and Kathleen Bracken, a junior, let out an "Ooh."

"They are beautiful," Brophy said. "How young is the youngest daughter?"

"Seven, I think," someone answered. They checked it on Wikipedia.

"She's probably so bored right now," Bracken said. "Look at her."

They laughed.

When Palin said her parents taught her that "this is America and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity," Brophy said: "Word. Yes. Very true."

Palin promised she and McCain would install more pipelines to deal with the country's energy problems. "Good," Brophy said.

Palin's political and personal story left them with much to like.

Lauren Brown, a third-year law student, said: "The ethics reform bill was one of her first goals. That impressed me."

"I kind of liked her better because she was supportive of her daughter," said junior Melissa Barron, as she chomped on double-chocolate chip cookies. "She has a really strong family."

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- In the front row at the Xcel Energy Center, Michigan delegates Shirley Nagel and Nancy Cassis leaned into the aisle, scanned the stage and waited. Past 10 p.m. and still no sign.

Where was she, already?

It felt, Nagel said, like waiting for the appearance of a bride.

Nagel, a retired schoolteacher from Detroit, had anticipated few events as eagerly as she did Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday night. Ever since Sen. John McCain named her his running mate Friday, Nagel had watched clips of Palin on television, read stories about her in the newspaper, and learned enough about her family -- the new baby, the pregnant daughter, the daughter's boyfriend -- to feel, Nagel said, "like we've known each other for 20 years." All that remained, she said, was a formal introduction.

"You judge a book by its cover, and we've been waiting for that chance with her," said Nagel, dressed in a hockey jersey like the rest of the Michigan delegation. "We want to see how tall she is, if she wears heels, how she wears her hair. That's stuff us Republican women need to know."

When Palin finally did make her introduction, Nagel approved of what she saw -- and heard. Nagel once coached a high school speech and debate team, and she liked how Palin defended her family without sounding defensive. She stood up on her red folding chair at the end of Palin's speech and leaned in to take a picture. "She started with the family and then moved on, just like everybody should do," Nagel shouted above the roar of the crowd. "She's a woman, and she showed she's tough. She attacked Obama. She touched on all the issues. We love her."

Said Cassis, a state senator from suburban Detroit: "This is history. The Democrats had a chance to put a woman on the ticket, and they punted. Not us. [Palin] is elevating women just by her presence. I will always remember this."--Eli Saslow

WHITING, Ind. -- At an Amvets bar in Whiting, near the BP oil refinery, a Cargill plant and other heavy industry in northwestern Indiana, bargoers applauded Sarah Palin's candidacy because of what they described as her traditional, all-American values.

Still, they jeered periodically at what they saw as contrivances in her speech. "She allows her teenage daughter to get pregnant and have sex, and you guys are so conservative?" asked one woman who declined to give her name, mocking Palin's highlighting of her children during the speech.

But Sue Struss, 48, expressed appreciation of Palin's family values. "She has a family, her husband has two jobs -- they're clearly American people, not some rich people," said Struss, a lifelong Whiting resident and the manager of the bar, which is adorned by an American flag in twinkling lights, wood paneling, and Bud and Miller pendants.

"I think it's great they picked a woman, but I hope they didn't do it just because she's a woman," said bartender Ann Watkins, 42.

John Lawson, 44, a chemical engineer at BP, said working-class Whiting residents are torn between the traditional Democratic support of labor and the traditional values represented by Palin. "She's facing the same challenges as a lot of Americans -- a pregnant daughter, a disabled son, balancing work and family," he said.

Whiting residents were overall far more interested in the Cubs game than the convention; of seven downtown bars, the Amvets watering hole was the only one showing the convention, and then only at Lawson's request.

Charles White, 48, an out-of-work house painter who is a military veteran, said he thought the speech was uninspiring and showed hopelessness among Republicans. "I go by body language, and if you feel you have a good running mate, you're going to be pumped up," he said of McCain. "McCain just chose her because she's a pretty face, and none of the men would go with him because they know he's going to lose." --Kari Lydersen

I think we should all be afraid of Sarah Palin and the Republican Party as it exists today.

Essentially, it all boils down to this, the rules are one way if you believe that the Holy Cross is red, white, and blue, and the rules are another way if you don't. Plain and simple.

I really think the Republicans could win this race. However, it only shows how ignorant Americans are when it comes to how they are viewed by the rest of the world. Americans always seem to want a good fight! They yearn for a Sarah Palin to daringly stand up for what she believes in. However, we have a tendency to love love people who fight for what they believe BEFORE we thoroughly assess and think through the consequences. We choose before thorough examination is complete.

Before you hop on board the McCain Express think about what kind of leader it takes to solve the problems this country is facing. Are the Canadians and Mexicans attacking us on our borders. If they were, I would be the first to sign McCain up as my general. However, those are not the kind of problems our country is facing. I don't want a leader who shoots off his mouth and goes around the world saying "I'M RIGHT AND YOU'RE WRONG". Ask yourself how that has worked in your own life.

People that really solve problems learn how to build bridges. Is McCain a bridge builder? He may say he is with the Maverick this theme but what you have to realize is that it is his way of saying he is a "right fighter".

If he wins, America will be more polarized than ever, mark my words, and then where will we be. Four more years of the same, except this time, it will be exactly what America deserves. The only difference, is that in parts of the world where people have overcome their differences, they will be watching and laughing. Afterall, everyone human being, every organization, and every country contains the seeds of it's own destruction. It'll just be our turn!

McCain/Palin 2008 - The best choice for America. We are are powerful. We can bomb anyone - Watch out Iran, Syria, Pakistan. The Pitbulls are coming.. We are going to deal with all of you simultaneously.

Vote McCain/Palin 2008 for a strong military - We are going to fight several wars because we are the greatest!! Shock and Awe..

Hey person - What do you know about peace? Does fighting "like pitbulls" work in your family, in your school, in your community? Well, how in the hell do you think it will work if it is applied to the world? You have got to be out of your gourd!

Remember everyone - the Holy Cross is NOT RED, WHITE, AND BLUE - OR - IF IT IS, IT IS ALSO RED WITH A YELLOW CYCLE!!!!!!!

Obama has connections with Terrorist like Ayers and Dhorn.
Obama is friends with Convicted criminal Rezko
Obama is friends with Fraud Mayor Kilpatrick
Obama is friends with Iraq guy Nadmi Auchi who was denied entry to US on security grounds.
Obama has 20 years relationship with Racist Church in Chicago and its radical pastor Wright
Obama has connection with Islam Farrakhan
Obama has connection with anti-social black panthers party

This woman is a right wing extremist. She believes that creationism should be taught along side evolution, she doesn't think that abortion should be legal even in the case of rape and incest. She doesn't think that man has has any responsibility for global warming. She thinks THAT IRAQ IS GOD'S WILL. She thinks that bears and all other wildlife should be fodder for killing with no restraints. JUST BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN DOESN'T MEAN THAT SHE SHOULDN'T BE CHALLENGED ON THESE VERY EXTREME OPINIONS !!!!!

Let me get this right -- so now you're saying John McCain LIED to millions of Americans on a nationally televised audience about sending people back to community college for job retraining? You're one of his supporters, and you're calling him an outright liar?

Wow. That's mighty big of you to come clean with the truth, however. You are really putting Country First. Good for you, JimH. Good for you.

veeravich: PLEASE do us all a HUGE favor....... we know you just love to hear yourself talk, so could you please open your OWN blog? That way you can go on and on and on and on about YOUR views......as wrong as they are......and you can pretend like people "agree" with you by writing statements (supposedly) from those people who agree with you.......... and sign "made up" names for those people. But please please please, call your blog something like, "veeravich's views", so we have a choice as to whether or not we want to hear you spout off at the mouth, because frankly, most of us have better things to do, than to listen to a robot who has NO idea of what he is saying, WASTE our time. Signed, Reen....A "REAL" Person

“We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us,” McCain told the Republican National Convention Thursday night. “We lost the trust of the American people when some Republicans gave in to the temptations of corruption.” Wait a second, did John McCain just say that in his acceptance speech for the Republican Nomination? No way.

Oh wait, and one more zinger -- "We will prepare them for the jobs of today. We will use our community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities." Did John McCain just advocate sending good Americans to the evil we know as community colleges to become re-educated as commie liberals?

Shame on you, John McCain. You call yourself a patriot. But you're a fan of community colleges afterall.

P.S. How convenient it is that John McCain suddenly is pitching himself as the candidate of change. Sound familiar? McCain is NOT the candidate of change.

I, too, am in the field of agriculture. However, I see no great knowledge regarding farm policy. That requires more public policy and legislative experience than Sarah Palin displays on her resume. Be careful betting the farm. You may lose it!

By the way, here is a fact. The congressional district that Barrack Obama served as a "community organizer" was 650,000 people. Sarah Palin's whole state has approximately 640,000 people. Sounds pretty comparable to me!

Has Obama ever been a Mayor OR a Governor? NOPE! Has he been a willing member of a radical, racist church for over 20 years? YES!! (Great Christian values) Am I sick to death of Obama's long-winded speeches filled with bad ideas? GOD YES!! America finally has a chance to vote for a man who values his country and it's direction more than his own life and political career. Let us not waste this historic opportunity to choose integrity and substance over more of the same old political fluff.

It is too bad women are switching to McCain based on the comments of this right wing conservative woman before they have heard some response from their female compadres.

Sarah Palin gave a rousing speech last night. She roused me so much I marched right down to Obama headquarters and volunteered - AND I TOO AM ONE OF THOSE SWING VOTERS!

As a 20 year veteran mom of a special needs child, a "dance" mom, and well educated stay at home mom who has also spent 25 years in the work force, please consider my points:

1) Experience means nothing if it is the wrong kind of experience. "Executive" experience is a great quality in the executive branch of government. However, what about legislative experience and just plain knowledge of public policy. This is the experience in which Obama excels. Palin has shown us that she is about shooting off her mouth, being oppositional to any position she personally finds offensive, and lack of accountability. The reason so many people find the situation with her daughter offensive, is that abstinance education is her solution to the problem of teenage pregnancy in public schools. In the words, of Dr. Phil, "How did that work for you Sarah?"

2) Ms. Palin is a divisive personality. She obviously has not learned that when Pitt Bulls attack they are "put down". History has shown that it is a fact that our greatest President's have not necessarily "run" anything. However, they have had a tremendous ability to bring people together. With her positions so far to the right, she is almost as divisive as Hilary Clinton. What unites people is not the ability to dig in your heels and be a maverick, but the ability to find common ground. Sure, she can have her opinions, what so many women object too is the way she is going about shooting off her mouth. I live in a state where we have already had a politician with tremendous charisma and it got us nowhere. Remember Jesse Ventura. SHE IS SIMPLY A RIGHT WING JESSE VENTURA. He accomplished very little during his administration. All he did shoot off his mouth was complain about the media. He now complains about the media and braids his beard. However, the people of Minnesota were absolutely charmed by him. I'm not saying that Ms. Palin will do the same. She needs to produce more tangible results! Tangible results occurr by uniting and focusing on the issues - not on personalities. It is a proven fact, that true change and reform occurs by focusing on common goals - not charismatic personalities. DO NOT BE SWAYED SO EASILY!!!!! That is why McCain has never been particularly successful as a legislator.

3) This lady knows nothing, just like the general public of what it takes to raise a special needs child. After only having the child for 4 months, I can honestly say she knows NOTHING about what it is going to take to raise this child. The hard honest truth is it is not just like raising a child without disabilities. It takes tremendous amounts of time to Time, Patience, and emotional support. It is not something which you can simply hire out or delegate to your unemployed husband. Two parents really are needed to give these children what they deserve. I know. I have had a special needs child for almost 19 years. I used to work for 25 years. Just wait until she learns about

4) Strong families are not necessarily the ones that we see in the public eye. My family of origin was in the public eye. It was devastating. I was never close to my father because I was scared of him. That is what I see on the faces of those children. They wouldn't have the courage to voice a different opinion to their mother! That's not strength. That is power and control. A strong family is one that you see children finding their own voice and a way to express themselves in our world. They accomplish because they find their own source of motivation, not because they live in fear of their mother. My "strong" family is not close at all now. We can barely stand each other. We will only know if Palin's family is "strong" is in about 20 years.

5) Remember that true leadership is about uniting around a common purpose or goal. Charismatic personalities that get involved in drama and "right fighting" rarely are remembered for their accomplishments. What this country needs now is accomplishments! The rest of the world is watching. They are not helping us fight the war on terrorism because McCain is about uniting on common purpose -he is about power and control. We are not in a conventional war that requires power and control. We are in a war that requires smarts. With that in mind, go back and review the resumes of the candidates.

Gov. Palin's performance last night was impressive in style but utterly abysmal as it relates to substance.

I cringe at the thought of her as a role model for my daughter. She was nasty, petty, and very small-minded. As the mother of a Christian family, the characteristics she displayed last night are not characteristics I wish my daughter to adopt.

Gov. Palin purports to be a Christian, but her behavior last night was anything but Christ-like. She scoffed at the idea of a community organizer working to better conditions for the poor. She paraded an unmarried pregnant teen-aged daughter for all the world to see and ultimately for her own political gain. Where is the virtuous woman?

She mentioned nothing about caring for the poor. She talked of nothing but war. She never mentioned peace or love or charity or compassion. She never mentioned policies that would make any of these more likely for our country or the world. She acted instead as if she were firing up a lynch mob. Christ would do none of the sort.

In my opinion, last night, she represented some of the ugliest of humanity--smiling while twisting the knife in the backs of women, children, the poor, all the while extolling to adhere to Christian values.

As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord and that means casting our votes for the man who is about doing the Father's business.

Only time will tell how God will deal with such false prophets and such molestation of his Word.

The thing that sickened me the most---her pandering with her family. Did anyone else notice that she actually turned the baby around to show the Down Syndrome face? It was the lowest point that she could have possibly done. I don't have facts here, but I just read that she cut funds to special needs schools in Alaska by 66% during her brief tenure in office. How does that coincide with her last quote that she will take care of those families with special needs children? Will they be treated just like the polar bears?

I can't get past the fact that this woman named her sons Trig and Trak. She fortunately resisted the urge to spell her daughter's first name "Bristle", but that brief attack of good sense doesn't merit a 4 year stay in the U.S. Naval Observatory.

I remain committed to Obama/Windbag '08, sailing on the winds of change.

McCain/Palin 2008 - The best choice for America. We are are powerful. We can bomb anyone - Watch out Iran, Syria, Pakistan. The Pitbulls are coming.. We are going to deal with all of you simultaneously.

Vote McCain/Palin 2008 for a strong military - We are going to fight several wars because we are the greatest!! Shock and Awe..

We love you Sarah Palin. You are the best. I was so proud to see pregnant Bristol and her boyfriend on stage yesterday night. The delegates went wild when they saw - we are all proud of her accomplishments. Now every teenage girl in America knows what to do in order to get that kind of applause from Republicans.

Don't understand the women here thinking the speech was "amazing". Agree that Palin's delivery was good, but, to concur with other posts, the message was negative, sarcastic, uninspiring and SNL/MadTV like. Similar to watching Thompson, one felt like you were being, "had" and on the slick side. There was no feeling of epic statesmanship, just gossipy/office/unhappy egotistical lecturing. Palin reminds me of the "difficult" municipal clerk at the Dept of Motor Vehicles, who will give you a hard time and have no empathy for your visit. You, know, the difficult BDSM bureaucrat whose happy to make you run around. Blech.

After listening to Sarah Palin we should be worried, if this is the direction of the winds of change. This great country and we the people of the united states are in serious Danger at home and abroad! I saw and felt a sense of blind ambition, extremism,controlling manipulation and the vile/guile of provocation foisted from the podium, which she used as a pulpit. I believe we should have a right to choose and a right to our own lives, quality of life and freedoms and values. I genuinely believe in separation of church and state and respect all peoples right to choose and worship accordingly. I know what i heard and didn't hear. What is the truth of her performance about this bridge to nowhere, earmarks,15 million dollar stadium debacle and attempted land grab, undue influence from her office, the books she would remove from libraries and burn? which made me think of Fahrenheit 451. What of the consequences of environmental impact/destruction which is leading to climate change resulting in weather that is devastatingly destructive,life threatening and has proved deadly. She cares about oil, killing defenseless animals such as polar bear (rewriting science and facts), destroying habitat and taking what she wants while dismissing the consequences of her choices and actions. This is a woman who approves of Aerial Hunting her prey and Drilling and doesn't believe people are entitled to Miranda Rights? Wonder if she has hunted from a snow mobile? Her style is sardonic and she strikes me as capable of ruthlessness. I don't wish to live in a dictatorship. Sorry, but I sense ice melt flows through her veins. I went in to this election with an independent mind and political bend and i am alarmed! Palin is a Ms. My way or the highway. In a nation of our size we do not need a divisive white house. And What exactly are her family and families values? Well, i wish her sister and her husband luck with their new gas station (LOL), i'm sure palin will do everything to make it profitable for them. And i saw what Trash was on MY SPACE before they took it down. The young hockey player
punk who will now marry her daughter. Good grief!

Barbara
finally a woman speaking sane. being new to blogging, but so outraged that this sarah woman is trying to set us back to the time when women went to school to learn how to give cocktail parties for her husband, i have so much to talk negative about this woman, it would take me all day.
women, look at the kind of woman she is. is she really the role model you want for your girls? a beauty queen with a back-biting mentality? one who will stop at nothing to get what she wants with no thought for other humans. look deeper into her speech than she is just a tough woman!

* She wants to remove my right to choice, even if I get raped. Palin would like rapists to have the right to choose who will mother their children.

* She thinks drilling for more oil is the answer to our energy problems. I do understand she would get richer if they did, but this is not a solution for america. Even that swiftboater Pickens calls Palin's energy idea foolish.

* She wants to replace science with religion in our schools. She is an extremists, and wants others to share her extremists point of view, so she seeks to remove other points of view from children's education.

* She has poor family values. She's cheated (like McCain) on her spouse several times, and has children out of wedlock, and a pregnant child also out of wedlock.

* She belives those that give back to their community are wasting their time!

* She wants to split off Alaska from the USA and form its own nation. Huh? This is just crazy!

Yesterday was a great day for America. I saw a pregnant teenage and her irant boyfriend on the stage receiving a standing ovation from grateful delegates for their wonderful accomplishments. I guess other teenage girls know what to do now if you want to be receive such a wonderful reception.

God bless Sarah Palin - she is the best!! She is going to turn this country once she learns how to pronounce "Iraq" correctly..

Palin's speech was nationalistic and full of hate, hate, hate. With a coy smile she spewed venom. This woman is as patriarchal as the most patriarchal male. Wake up and see that. Of course the woman can give a speech. People were surprised by this? Has no one seen her on YouTube? What shocked me was her viciousness, her divisiveness. America doesn't need this from anyone...man, woman or child.

Are Hockey Moms Grown In Hell?
What does it say about a person who jokes that lipstick is the only difference between herself and a pit bull… a dog known from multiple news reports for being unrelenting, uncontrollable and a deadly killer of children and people…?

The contrast of this woman with the Hilary types is sharp. I think she contributes more to the cause of feminine equality in a formerly all-man arena. The Hilary supporters may remain unimpressed, but there are many women who identify with a skirt and the femininity that goes with it.

The speech served well to further expose the superficiality of the Obama persona.

OK I will NOT dispute that Congress has a history of making the Bills that SPEND SPEND SPEND, but you also have to agree that for 7 of the last 8 years the congress was being managed by the THRIFTY Party that took us from a Surplus to the LARGEST deficit in history. The Spendocrats have only been in charge for the last year, and have quite often been VETOED, even when trying to trim allocations to GWB's pet projects.

Well I've got better things to do than sit on a website all day and defend a woman who does not need defending...She does it quite well, herself. I can only say that Obama better look forward to losing many of his followers. McCain and Palin will be the next President and Vice President, I'd bet the farm on it.
Mary
Evergreen, CO
McCain / Palin 2008
=====================================================
Heck, I'd bet a bunch of sagebrush on a longshot, too.

Just checking to see if you actually have something better to do.... ;)

The only debate so far depicted a stumbling, stuttering Obama filtering all scenarios of his answers before he speaks. John McCain directly and without hesitation say's what he believes! Watch for yourself! It comes down to the hardcore liberal/communists and the uninformed voting for Obama. Anyone else of sane mind would not vote for this communist lap dog!

People before casting the vote that will shape our country for the next 4 years do some investigating yourself without the help of a bias media. Start by reading Obama's own words--his books! If it's ok with you that your president coinsiders Malcom X and Louis Farracom (sp?) Idols then vote for him. Those are two of the most hatefull,raceist,anti-americans you could imagine. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Look-up William Ayers an admitted anti-American terrorist.

New evidence has emerged that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was closely associated as early as age 25 to Dr. Khalid al-Mansour, a key adviser to a Saudi billionaire who had mentored the founding members of the Black Panthers.
Manchuian candidate?

Governor Palin's speech was one of the best I've ever heard. She said it like it is, unlike the mindless sheep who adore Obama, even though he's just an empty suit. Most of the negative blogs on this site appear to have been written before the speech was even given. Comments by brain washed Obamabots, who infect the blog sites with the same sarcastic partisan posts, no matter what the story is about. Keep America strong, elect McCain / Palin in November. No Wright, no Farrakahn, no Ayers, no Rezko, no mean Michelle, NOBAMA

Well I've got better things to do than sit on a website all day and defend a woman who does not need defending...She does it quite well, herself. I can only say that Obama better look forward to losing many of his followers. McCain and Palin will be the next President and Vice President, I'd bet the farm on it.
Mary
Evergreen, CO
McCain / Palin 2008

Marie........Sarah Palin will be the Democrats downfall. She is a REAL person with REAL family problems and it's pathetic the way the news media is attacking her. Maybe the news media should have found out something about her BEFORE they started attacking, instead of attacking FIRST. They will be sorry.

Mary what did you expect? We only learned about her this week. Obama preempted much of the criticism by being forthright about his past in his books. Plus, the media has had a long time to grill him, and I include the right wingers like Limbaugh and Fox. Whether they like to admit it or not, they have large enough followings to be considered the media. This will pass for Palin, and then you're claims about experience will be proved false.

LOL-I can certainly take the empty attack rhetoric of someone of the likes of Sarah Palin. I am more concerned with actual issues and so I didn't hear any conversation from her about that. The question is; what kind of double standard will this woman whine about when Joe Biden vetts her through the VP debate?
Clueless, vain, inept, mediocre.....sounds like a third Bush term to me.....

Kathleen Hussein in Maine
===========================
PROVE where I'm lying!! People like YOU are the reason I can no longer be a democrat. Everything I said in my post is TRUE, but YOU being the perfect liberal can ONLY make a PERSONAL ATTACK. I've had ENOUGH of JERKS LIKE YOU.
McCain/Palin 2008 PALIN 2012

Nadia, I have to say I found Piper licking her hand and smoothing her baby brother's hair to be absolutely adorable. She is a darling girl, and Sarah's whole family is beautiful to look at, as is she.

That said, I am still shocked and appalled, frankly, that McCain turned this into The Apprentice of American Idol, but without even a chance to root for anyone. I think Sarah Palin would be great on a talk show, but not a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Not this year, anyway.

Colorado is a swing state and I was a Coloradoan for Obama...I am now for McCain/Palin 2008. The main reason is she is more qualified than Obama, but part of the reason is the lies and attacks by the left. I am disgusted by the way they have treated this woman. BTW did you hear her husband got a DWI 22 YEARS ago??? Wasn't that about the same time Obama was smoking POT and doing COCAIN, by his OWN admission? They also villified her because her daughter is 17, pregnant and unmarried? Wasn't Obama's Mother 18 when he was born AND UNMARRIED? How about Joe Biden's SON and BROTHER in trouble with the law, as we speak? Can you spell FRAUD? Thank you Democrats for opening my eyes to what a sleazy party you are. As for Sarah "attacking" the Democrats, I think the Dems did their share of attacks at the DNC! They said Joe Biden was picked to be their "attack dog," well Joe, meet Sarah the PIT BULL with LIPSTICK. They opened themselves wide open for Sarah to attack them.
McCain/Palin 2008

What's the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull," she said, pausing for a beat and a smirk. "Lipstick” .Sarah Palin said: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_palin_76 “the first-term Alaska governor rocked the GOP convention with a star-turning performance”. The reporter said. "A star is born," Blitzer said.
"A star is born," said Anderson Cooper on CNN. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_tv_palin_s_night
Republicans look at you. You are an embarrassment to America “Now”. You just set America back 40 years. If the media don’t bring on the “Pit bull” reporting that Sarah Palin requested in no un- certain terms, they need to start looking for another job…… This is not 2000 and 2004, when you would be fired by a representative of President Bush for reporting the truth….

Michelle Obama simply spoke, firmly, and she was labeled a militant angry Black- Women terrorist. Sarah Palin, by design, in her speech tonight was hateful, sarcastic and more belittling than most men; even, with a pregnant teenage daughter that she is parading around to get sympathy votes to fill full her personal hungry for power, and you, Republicans give her Sainthood. “To the point of drooling over this woman…Sarah Palin is referred to as the “Republican Star” How embarrassing .....Think about it for a minute. I can see how she could kill a man with a smile….http://www.andrys.com/palin-kilkenny.html

Most Americans do not have pregnant teenagers…I can think of at least 100 that I know, who do not have pregnant teenagers, and I am “Black”. Additionally if they did, they would not be parading them around like a trophy for other teenagers to strive for…..

The statement above “Most men” that is with the exception of Rudy Giuliani; the number of votes he received, he doesn’t even count beyond the joke that he is….

Thank God for President Bush. I would make a fool out of you Republicans also; the Middle Class to poor one’s because you really don’t get it….. You deserves all that you a will continue to get bankruptcies, foreclosures, lost of jobs, no healthcare, one war after the other, which you are guaranteed to have if McCain is elected, including the reinstituting of the military draft and increases in your taxes; you deserve every bit of it, because you refuse get it…. I can no longer blame Karl Rove, George Bush and McCain; I would make a fool out of you too…. Obama is really too good for that 40 to 51 percent of you. . …

It was a very good speech. She stood with comfidence in front of millions of people, spoke clearly, showed command of the issues, and was strong but very feminine at the same time.

I didn't like the way CNN cameras were chasing the kids around. It was obvious the husband and the kids were very nervous. The little girl was adorable though.

On substance:

She said what she had to say. She introduced herself as a woman, as a mother, as a young politician coming from a far away state. She defended her record as a successful mayor and governor.

I expected her to speak about "Christian values", abortion and the like. Instead she focused on bigger issues: national security and energy independence. That was a very positive surprise. I particularly liked her passionate defense of small-town America.

In summary, it was a great speech.

You could tell by the faces of Democratic pundits: Donna Brazile, Paul Begala, James Carville, Roland Martin. They were IN SHOCK.

How can a Hillary supporter vote McCain on the basis of Palin? Their policy positions couldn't be more at odds. She's a woman who opposes some of the most basic advances of the women's rights movement.

Can you imagine the hypocrisy and silliness of a party who held up Teddy Kennedy and honored a man who should still be in prison for what he did a Chappaquiddick now all up in arms because a 17 year old is pregnant and not willing to murder her baby to hide that fact?

Dems are grasping at straws. Sarah Palin hit a home run with all us who cling to our religion and despise liberal politics and the UN.

As a staunch Democrat for the previous 40 years, I am proud of the fact that bandana wavers arrived to support the empowerment of a woman.

Hillary was not even allowed to apply for the job, with the better resume.

She was the right candidate, but the lack intellect by the Party will cost them the Whitehouse.
No, I will not vote for a guy named Hussein while we are at war with Islam terrorists.
I simply didn't care for Obama's friends and associates. The criticism of the USA verges on treason.

I am proud of this Country and the entire American Experiment.
The job belongs to a woman Patriot.
Hillary is one, but so is Palin.
Your ballot is yours to cast Sue, but mine will uphold equal gender rights,because it about time.
Palin's resume, like Hillary's, far surpasses both the boys on the Dem ticket.
Why shouldn't she shine?
I repeat
Palin 2008

This has got to be the most interesting "debate" I've ever read. On one hand we have the "liberals" saying Palin is unqualified, and on the other we have the "conservatives" saying Obama is, well, the devil incarnate. What it really boils down to is the few, who provided objective comments on the introduction of Sarah Palin, last night. Interesting, that being a mayor for 8 years and governor for less than 2, in a state so far away, half the school children don't even know where it is, Thank you Mr. Bush for "No Child Left Behind", the mantra of, "no one is better than the slowest child in the class". But then if we follow the logic of Mrs. Palin's qualifications, just about any mayor in the continental US would be more qualified. Most learn to work within the State system to enhance the lives of their residents. Without begging for Pork from the Feds. Obama also isn't perfect. Yes, he voted "Present" an awful lot, when he was at the STATE level, not Federal level, Yes he never ran a town of 6200, but neither did John McCain!!! It was even mentioned, ON FOX, the conservatives Friend network, that she has more Executive experience than he does. YOUCH!!!! So what we need to do is look at the positive things, both have said. McCain...Economy is good, looking up...Jobs Good...Looking UP...War in IRAQ is good, looking UP. Palin...McCain is a HERO, and no one disputes that. I ran a town, and now the State of Alaska, the BIGGEST State in the union", if someone didn't agree with me they must be corrupt, so I got rid of them."Reformer". Also I have a big family and am looking forward to being a grandma. Obama...Change is needed, we need to Get out of IRAQ, there were never any WMD's, so why did we go? The econony is awful, we need to fix that. The world has a terrible opinion of us, we need to fix that...We cannot sustain the deficit's that GWB has created, we need to fix that so our children aren't burdened forever. Biden...We need to improve our relations around the world, work together to fix that. Recover the economy. Take care of our people, etc...

So what we have is is two differing viewpoints, neither is perfect, be honest, but what we have to do is choose the path that we, as individuals, believe provides the best future for us and our children.

When all is said and done..NO ONE has the right to tell me how to vote, NO ONE. NO ONE has the right to tell me my ideals are wrong, NO ONE, Not Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, Conservatives, Churches, or anyone else. Because, in the beginning, our country was founded on these principals...Life, liberty, the persuit of happiness (Not a guarantee), Freedom of Speech, Religon, and Thought. So I believe that the real HEROS, died a LONG time ago, the ones who put together this great country would shutter at some of the freedoms that have been dissolved since their great sacrifice so long ago.

So I am going to vote for the people I believe will do the most to dig this country out of the hole its has been placed in, because, when all the Political stuff is removed, it is a persons' character that really matters, that takes in everything past and present.

The GOP seems to think they don't have to explain why they should have another four years to disengage our country from the rest of the world.
Gender equality has arrived. Ms. Palin is as equally clueless as the rest of the Republican Party.
Sorry, hon, but ideas DO matter. Didn't hear anything that my community doesn't already deal with or my family doesn't already deal with. Either you believe in the federal govt or you don't. So why in the world would I put someone who doesn't, in charge of it?

Sarah Palin was reading a speech with words she did not write. But, in her delivery, we learned full well why her nickname is Barracuda. What she didn't tell us is that, among the bills she has vetoed, were program services for unwed, pregnant teens and special needs children. Apparently, what's good enough for her own children should not be accessible to all children. The Sarah Palin presented by the Republicans was carefully crafted. We have yet to meet the real person, and according to many of her Alaskan constituents, it is not a pretty picture. There are plenty of highly qualified Republican women who could have credibly filled the VP slot. Why was Palin selected? Because we don't know much about her, and they want to make sure it stays that way. When we and the media begin to ask the tough questions, the campaign's tactic is to cry "sexism." It's laughable. I have never before in my life heard so many Republican men suddenly concerned about sexism! The choice of Palin is cynical and manipulative. The woman of New Mexico need to take a very close look at her values, beliefs, and actual record. She is not a straight talker. When it comes to the real concerns and needs of women, she speaks with forked tongue.

Obama and McCain Tax Proposals
According to a new analysis by the Tax Policy Center, a joint project of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are both proposing tax plans that would result in cuts for most American families. Obama's plan gives the biggest cuts to those who make the least, while McCain would give the largest cuts to the very wealthy. For the approximately 147,000 families that make up the top 0.1 percent of the income scale, the difference between the two plans is stark. While McCain offers a $269,364 tax cut, Obama would raise their taxes, on average, by $701,885 - a difference of nearly $1 million.

also she does not believe in global warming
she tries to ban books and bullies librarians

member of the AIP that wants to leave the US and start its own country - the video of her speeches is out there

she laughs while hosts call other women degrading names - those tapes are out there

she used the bridge money

she left her town $27 million dollar in debt

she hacked into other peoples computers during one campaign - proof is out there

she USED LOBBYISTS when she was mayor for over $20 million of benefits

How much do you think our America is going to change. Forget about Democrats vs Republicans. Forget whites vs minorities.
Think about this:
How about over 4000 americans who have died on foreign soil in our recent wars. How are these families doing after the lost. OVER FOUR THOUSAND MEN AND WOMEN HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES. A father of 4 children just lost their father who was doing a second tour in Irag.
Our gas prices went sky high as if we were on foreign soil. Who is responsible for this costly hike and who is deciding lower the price now this moment. 111.00 a barrell for crude oil.
Our government deficit is sky high.
So many American of all races and incomes have lost their homes due to lost jobs,incomes, and exploited mortgage loans.
Identity fraud is sky high.
Homeless American families who need our help are being limited.
We donate millions of dollars outside of our country but put strick entitlement limits on our own people.
Our senior citizen population need more help but having to exist on the limited amounts of social security as low as 600.00 a month. (this affects everybody in this nation)

I wish we just do away with the titles and the entitlement values these titles carry and just learn how to take care of our wonderful American Nation.
Guess what this politic race is doing? It's teaching our young generation how to hate based on political titles.
Dems vs Reps, Poor vs Rich, Educated vs Non Educated, Men vs Women,tc,etc,etc
Lets just get it together and take care of this nation.
Someone has to do this job. Who will it be?
Are they going to care for our great nation or be a bunch of hot air.

PALIN: “Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already. But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.”

REALITY: PALIN SAID SHE WOULD BEG TO DISAGREE WITH ANY CANDIDATE WHO SAID WE CAN’T DRILL OUR WAY OUT OF OUR PROBLEM

Palin Said She Would Beg to Disagree With Candidate Who Said We Can’t Drill Our Way Out of Our Problem. Asked by Invester’s Business Daily “Some politicians and presidential candidates say we can't drill our way out of our energy problem and that drilling in ANWR will have no effect. What's your best guess of the impact on prices?” Palin responded, “I beg to disagree with any candidate who would say we can't drill our way out of our problem or that more supply won't ultimately affect prices. Of course it will affect prices. Energy being a global market, it's impossible to venture a guess on (specific) prices.” [Investor’s Business Daily, 7/11/08]

PALIN: “In fact, I told Congress -- I told Congress, ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ on that bridge to nowhere.”

REALITY: PALIN WAS FOR THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE BEFORE SHE WAS AGAINST IT.

October 2006” Palin Supported Bridge To Nowhere. In 2006, Palin was asked, “Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?” She responded, “Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.” [Anchorage, 10/22/06, republished 08/29/08]

2006: Palin: Don’t Allow “Spinmeisters” To Turn Bridge To Nowhere Project “Into Something That’s So Negative.” "Part of my agenda is making sure that Southeast is heard. That your projects are important. That we go to bat for Southeast when we’re up against federal
influences that aren’t in the best interest of Southeast.' She cited the widespread negative attention focused on the Gravina Island crossing project. 'We need to come to the defense of Southeast Alaska when proposals are on the table like the bridge and not allow the
spinmeisters to turn this project or any other into something that’s so negative,' Palin said." [Ketchikan Daily News, 10/2/06]

REALITY: PALIN ONLY ANNOUNCED OPPOSITION TO ONE “BRIDGE TO NOWHERE,” STILL SUPPORTS THE OTHER ONE

Palin Refused to Fund Ketchikan Bridge, But Did Not Stop Funding for Knik Arm Bridge.“ Among the earmarks: $449 million for what critics have ridiculed as two ‘bridges to nowhere’ -- one in Ketchikan and one across Knik Arm in Anchorage formally named Don Young's Way. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, also a Republican, last month refused to use any more money for the Ketchikan project, redirecting it for other purposes.” [Anchorage Daily News,11/11/07]

As Recently as June, State Asking for Cost Estimate Proposals for Knik Arm. “An independent party will be called in to look at one of the most elusive aspects of a proposed bridge linking Anchorage and Mat-Su: the price tag. Gordon Keith, regional director for the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, said his office will be putting the job of estimating the cost of the controversial project out for bids in coming weeks. He said the task of coming up with a price could cost up to $200,000 and take up to 3½ months. ‘The issue keeps swirling around, so we thought it best to go ahead and do an independent estimate,’ he said. The cost to get the estimate is going to be high ‘if you want to do it correctly,’ he said. The cost of a span reaching across Knik Arm from Anchorage to Point MacKenzie has ranged over the years from $450 million to $1 billion, depending on what kind of bridge is envisioned and what starting date is plugged into the formula… Randy Ruaro, a special assistant to Gov. Sarah Palin, said the administration, even in the face of the recent lengthy report from the bridge authority, was having trouble getting an accurate picture of everything that is involved in the project, of the timing of the phases, and of the costs. He said the independent estimate is expected to answer those questions. Mary Ann Pease, spokeswoman for the authority, said she welcomes the effort to get updated costs.” [Anchorage Daily News, 6/22/08]

PALIN: “Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.”

PALIN: “Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.”

REALITY: UNDER PALIN, WASILLA GOVERNMENT SPENDING & DEBT SKYROCKETED.

Total Government Expenditures Increased 63 Percent Under Palin. In fiscal 2003—the last fiscal year Palin approved the budget—the total government expenditures of Wasilla, excluding capital outlays, were $7,046,325. In fiscal 1996—the year before Palin took control of the
budget—the expenditures were $4,317,947. The increase was 63 percent. [Wasilla Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 2003, Table 1]

Palin Supported Increasing Wasilla Sales Tax From 2 to 2.5 Percent to Build $14.7 Million Sports Center. “Wasilla residents have given the go ahead to building a new multiuse sports center in town and to raising the city sales tax to pay for it. With the final votes counted
Friday, residents voted 306 to 286 in favor of a measure to raise the city sales tax from 2 percent to 2.5 percent to pay the estimated $14.7 million cost of building the center…Mayor Sarah Palin, who supported the measure, said the tight vote will motivate city officials to keep a close eye on the budget for the center.” [Anchorage Daily News, 3/9/02]

Palin Left Behind Almost $19 Million In Long-Term Debt, Compared to None Before She Was Mayor. In fiscal 2003—the last fiscal year Palin approved the budget—the bonded long-term debt was $18,635,000. In fiscal 1996—the year before Palin took control of the budget—there was no general obligation debt. [Wasilla Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 2003, Table 10]

PALIN: “It was the spirit that brought me to the governor’s office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau … when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol’ boys network.”

REALITY: PALIN HAS A LT. GOVERNOR WHO IS A FORMER OIL LOBBYIST, HIRED WASILLA’S FIRST FEDERAL LOBBYIST (A FORMER STEVENS STAFFER) & HAD THE SUPPORT OF ENTRENCHED ALASKA POLITICIANS DURING HER 2006 RACE.

Palin’s Oil & Gas Appointee Is Former Lobbyist for TransCanada. “Marty Rutherford, who leads Gov. Sarah Palin’s gas pipeline team, made $40,200 in 2003 while consulting in Juneau for a pipeline subsidiary of TransCanada. TransCanada is one of the companies bidding for a state license to build a pipeline to carry gas to market from Alaska’s North Slope. It’s not a disqualifier, but the past connection deserves a second thought.” [Anchorage Daily News editorial, 12/15/07]

Palin “Counting on Her Lieutenant Governor Candidate… Former Oil Lobbyist” to Help Win Oil Industry Support. “The defiantly grass-roots nature of the campaign may have distanced her from certain traditional centers of power in Alaska. The oil industry is one -- but the campaign says it is counting on her lieutenant governor candidate, Parnell, a former oil lobbyist and legislator, to help there.” [Anchorage Daily News, 10/24/06]

Palin’s Former Chief of Staff is Stevens’ Campaign Manager. “Monegan says pressure came from those around Palin, including former Palin chief-of-staff Mike Tibbles, Department of Administration Commissioner Annette Kreitzer, and director of boards and commissions Frank Bailey. Tibbles, who is now the campaign manager for Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, said Friday he couldn't comment on whether he spoke to Monegan about Wooten.” [Anchorage Daily, 7/19/08]

As Mayor, Palin Hired a Washington Lobbyist to Help Get Earmarks for Wasilla – Lobbyist Was Former Chief of Staff for Indicted Senator Ted Stevens. “And as mayor of the small town of Wasilla from 1996 to 2002, Palin also hired a Washington lobbying firm that helped secure $8 million in congressionally directed spending projects, known as earmarks, according to public spending records compiled by the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste and lobbying documents. Wasilla's lobbying firm was headed by Steven Silver — a former chief of staff to Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, a key proponent of the bridge project.” [USA Today, 8/31/08]

The Usual Alaska Suspects - Ted Stevens, Don Young, And Lisa Murkowski Fundraised For Palin. “Will we see Ted Stevens stumping for Sarah Palin? Palin said this morning that Stevens appeared at a fund-raiser for her in Ketchikan and gave a speech about ‘moving Alaska forward.’ But does that mean he’ll pop up in any advertisements? (Remember his arguably pivotal role at the end of the Knowles and Murkowski Senate race?) Palin said she doubts it and hasn’t asked… She said Don Young came to one of her fund-raisers two days ago, and she expects Lisa Murkowski at an upcoming event. Tonight she planned to talk with John Binkley, who she says is writing a letter to his supporters on her behalf, and she planned to meet with Frank Murkowski tomorrow morning.” [“The Trail” blog, Anchorage Daily News, 10/13/06]

In Her 2002 Campaign for Lieutenant Governor, Palin Raised ‘About 10 Percent Of Her Campaign Fund’ From Veco, An Oil Company At the Heart of Federal Investigation. “While mayor of Wasilla, Palin ran for lieutenant governor in 2002. She gathered $5,000 -- or about 10 percent of her campaign fund -- from Veco officials or their wives along the way.” [Anchorage Daily News, 9/6/06]

PALIN: “I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.”

REALITY: PALIN SIGNED WEAK ETHICS REFORM BILL & HAS HAD NUMEROUS ETHICAL FLAPS OF HER OWN.

Palin Signed Ethics Reform Legislation That Anchorage Republican Bob Roses Said Didn’t Go Far Enough. “An ethics reform package for state officials was signed into law Monday by Gov. Sarah Palin, just minutes after a former state representative was convicted on seven federal extortion and bribery counts. Palin said the law will help re-establish trust between the public and elected officials by improving on existing statutes. … Ethics reform had been a recurring theme throughout Palin's election campaign, and she pushed hard for the bill to become a bipartisan effort in the Legislature this session. She said she remains determined to clean up Alaska politics. … Rep. Bob Roses, R-Anchorage, who succeed Anderson in the Legislature when Anderson didn't seek re-election in 2006, said the law didn't go far enough. Campaign contributions should be available for immediate public scrutiny, he said, and all contributions should be reported, even those below the current $1,000 threshold. ‘Quite frankly, I thought some of the things should have been a little tighter than what they were, but this is a first step,’ he said.” [The Associated Press State & Local Wire, 7/10/07]

AUGUST 2008: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Gov. Palin Over Alleged Involvement in Hiring a Campaign Contributor. In August 2008, former state House member Andree McLeod filed against Gov. Sarah Palin and her staff today with the Attorney General’s Office. It accuses the governor’s office of using its pull to get a Palin supporter hired to a [Department of Transportation] job in Fairbanks.” McLeod said “‘Executive branch employee shouldn’t be getting involved in the recruitment process unless it’s based on merit,’ said Andree McLeod, who wrote the complaint based on a series of e-mails between members of Palin’s team…The complaint accuses Palin, her acting chief of staff and others of breaking executive ethics branch and hiring rules. It centers on the hiring of surveyor Tom Lamal, who once co-hosted a Palin fundraiser, for a state right-of-way agent job in Fairbanks.”

July 2008: Special Counsel Appointed Last Month to Investigate Palin Abuse of Power Claim. In July 2008, the Alaska State Legislator voted 12-0 to approve $100,000 for a special investigator to begin an investigation into claims Palin fired a former state official because he would not fire a state trooper who was involved in a bitter custody battle with Palin’s sister. The legislator’s intent was to investigate the events surrounding the termination of former Dept. of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan and potential abuses of power
and improper action by Palin and her administration. [KTVA 11, 07/28/08]

PALIN: “I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.”

REALITY: ALASKA HAS REQUESTED $589 MILLION IN PORK SINCE PALIN TOOK OFFICE & AS MAYOR, SHE HIRED WASILLA’S FIRST FEDERAL LOBBYIST TO SECURE EARMARKS FOR THE TOWN.

Over $589 Million in Federal Pork Requests During Palin’s Tenure as Governor. According to Citizens Against Government Waste, www.cagw.org, under Palin’s tenure as Governor the state of Alaska has asked for $589,599,715 in pork barrel projects. [2007 and 2008 Pig Book, www.cagw.org]

Alaska Has Sought 31 Earmarks Worth $197.8 Million in Next Year’s Federal Budget. “But under her leadership, the state of Alaska has requested 31 earmarks worth $197.8 million in next year's federal budget, according to the website of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), the former chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.” [LA Times, 9/1/08]

As Mayor, Palin Hired a Washington Lobbyist to Help Get Millions in Earmarks for Wasilla – Lobbyist Was Former Chief of Staff for Indicted Senator Ted Stevens. “And as mayor of the small town of Wasilla from 1996 to 2002, Palin also hired a Washington lobbying firm that helped secure $8 million in congressionally directed spending projects, known as earmarks, according to public spending records compiled by the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste and lobbying documents. Wasilla's lobbying firm was headed by Steven Silver — a former chief of staff to Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, a key proponent of the bridge project.” [USA Today, 8/31/08]

Under Palin, Wasilla Received $26.9 Million in Earmarks. “As mayor of Wasilla, Palin made regular trips to Washington seeking federal aid. The city received $26.9 million in earmarks during her tenure from fiscal year 2000 to 2003, according to the nonpartisan Taxpayers for Common Sense, which tracks pork barrel spending.” [LA Times, 9/2/08]

McCain Criticized Earmarks that Palin Sought as Mayor. “Three times in recent years, McCain's catalogs of "objectionable" spending have included earmarks for this small Alaska town, requested by its mayor at the time -- Sarah Palin… In 2001, McCain's list of spending that had been approved without the normal budget scrutiny included a $500,000 earmark for a public transportation project in Wasilla. The Arizona senator targeted $1 million in a 2002 spending bill for an emergency communications center in town -- one that local law enforcement has said is redundant and creates confusion. McCain also criticized $450,000 set aside for an agricultural processing facility in Wasilla that was requested during Palin's tenure as mayor and cleared Congress soon after she left office in 2002. The funding was provided to help direct locally grown produce to schools, prisons and other government institutions, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense, a nonpartisan watchdog group.” [LA Times, 9/3/08]

PALIN: “But we are expected to govern with integrity, and goodwill, and clear convictions…”

REALITY: PALIN UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR ABUSE OF POWER.

Former State Official Accused Palin, Palin’s Former Chief of Staff and Current Ted Stevens Campaign Manager and Palin’s Husband Of Pressuring Him to Fire Trooper. In July 2008, former state official Walt Monegan accused Palin, Palin’s former Chief of Staff and current Stevens’ campaign manager Mike Tibbles and husband Todd Palin of pressuring him to fire Palin sister’s ex-husband Mike Wooten. [Anchorage Daily News, 07/18/08]

July 2008: Special Counsel Appointed Last Month to Investigate Palin Abuse of Power Claim. In July 2008, the Alaska State Legislator voted 12-0 to approve $100,000 for a special investigator to begin an investigation into claims Palin fired a former state official because he would not fire a state trooper who was involved in a bitter custody battle with Palin’s sister. The legislator’s intent was to investigate the events surrounding the termination of former Dept. of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan and potential abuses of power and improper action by Palin and her administration. [KTVA 11, 07/28/08]

PALIN: “As Governor, I have a record of being a strong fiscal conservative and have vetoed millions in special projects pushed by legislators.”

Palin Increased Taxes on Oil Companies to Pay for $1,200 Giveaway to Every Resident in the State. “One of her most significant accomplishments as governor was passing a major tax increase on state oil production, angering oil companies but raising billions of dollars in new revenue. She said the oil companies had previously bribed legislators to keep the taxes low. She subsequently championed legislation that would give some of that money back to Alaskans: Soon, every Alaskan will receive a $1,200 check.” [New York Times, 8/30/08]

PALIN: “I understand that we must reduce our dependence on foreign energy. I’ve worked with our state’s energy producers to expand our production so that we can have a safe, reliable supply of energy produced here in the United States.”

Palin Backed A Two-Year Extension Of The Export License To Export Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) To Japan And Other Asian Countries— Criticized Because Alaska’s Gas Reserves Are Declining. “Alaska producers can continue shipping gas to Asia after DOE last week approved an extension of the export license for the Kenai liquefied natural gas plant owned by ConocoPhillips and Marathon. The companies will be allowed to export up to 98.1 Bcf to Japan and other Pacific Rim countries over a two-year period through March 31, 2011. […] The
application came under fire from local end-users, including gas distribution companies Enstar and the Chugach Electric Association, as well as fertilizer maker Agrium, all of which claimed the exports would exacerbate the problem of declining gas reserves in south-central Alaska. Agrium permanently closed its plant near Kenai due to an inability to find enough local supply for the facility that used 53 Bcf/year. In January, ConocoPhillips and Marathon reached a deal in which they agreed to step up development in the Cook Inlet region in return for the state's support of the export license extension. The producers also agreed to divert gas from the LNG plant as needed to meet the peak winter supply needs of the local utilities. […] Alaska Governor Sarah Palin welcomed the DOE approval. "In these times of economic uncertainty, this is great news for the state and its residents. This extension will secure a future for the LNG operation and is another step toward ensuring energy supplies and energy security for Alaska," the Republican Governor said. [Platts Inside FERC, 6/9/08]
Press Release, 6/26/06]

· Agrium Closed Manufacturing Plant Because Of Gas Shortage. “Reserves of gas in producing fields in South-central Alaska are declining, posing concerns for supply to local utilities. A manufacturing plant on the Kenai Peninsula owned by Agrium Corp.recently announced it would close because the gas shortage.” [Alaska Journal Of Commerce, 11/25/07]

· Gov. Palin: Agrium Closure Is Unfortunate. “Agrium announced yesterday that the plant will close in December due to a shortage in the supply of Cook Inlet natural gas, leaving about 100 of the 140 employees without employment. ‘It's unfortunate to see the closure of a facility that has provided so many jobs that support families on the Peninsula,’ said Governor Palin. ‘I am heartened to hear that Agrium is willing to keep its options open if sufficient long-term supplies of gas can be found. We know there is more gas to be found and developed in Cook Inlet, so I remain hopeful that those jobs can be preserved.’” [Palin press release, 9/26/07]

PALIN: “And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.” This

REALITY: PALIN IS CLOSE TO THE OIL INDUSTRY

Sierra Club Director Carl Pope Said “No One is Closer to the Oil Industry Than Governor Palin.” "No one is closer to the oil industry than Governor Palin," said Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club in comments reflecting the views of a cross section of environmental activists. They cite her eagerness to embrace expanded offshore oil development, her lawsuit against further protection of polar bears so as not to hinder oil drilling in Alaska's ice-filled waters and her ardent support to allow oil companies into the Alaska wildlife refuge. [Associated Press, August 30, 2008]

Palin Took $13,000 from Lobbyists Representing the Oil Industry in Her2006 Campaign for Governor. The lobbyists who donated to her campaign represent a range of industries, including oil and gas, tobacco, education and the Native Alaskan community. "She's fought oil companies and party bosses and do-nothing bureaucrats and anyone who puts their interests before the interests of the people she swore an oath to serve," Mr. McCain said Friday at an Ohio rally to introduce her as his running mate. But since Mrs. Palin leads a major oil-producing state, that industry is one of her top donors. She collected nearly $13,000 from lobbyists who represent oil and gas industries in her primary and general campaigns, according a review of her campaign donations and 2006 registered state lobbyists.[Washington Times, September 1, 2008]

PALIN: “Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we’re going to lay more pipelines … build more new-clear [ed: must be nuclear] plants … create jobs with clean coal … and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources.”

REALITY: PALIN CUT FUNDING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

2007: Palin Vetoed $20 Million Toward A Fire Island Wind Farm Project.“[Sen. Hollis] French and [Anchorage Mayor Mark] Begich both lamented the [Palin] veto of $20 million toward a Fire Island wind farm project and connecting transmission lines. That money was part of Railbelt Energy Fund cash that Palin said she doesn't want to spend until a study on energy needs is finished.” [Anchorage Daily News (Alaska),7/30/07]

2008: Palin Cut $20 Million For Chugach Electric Association WindFarm. As part of a large package of budget cuts, in June 2007, Gov.Sarah Palin, R-AK, cut $20 million in funding for a Chugach Electric Association wind farm. The funding was expected to come from a fund called the Railbelt Energy Fund. Palin said she cut the $20 million because she wanted more information before dipping into the Railbelt Energy Fund. [Anchorage Daily News, 6/30/08]

PALIN: “Taxes are too high … he wants to raise them.”

REALITY: PALIN HAS REPEATEDLY SUPPORTED TAX INCREASES

Palin Supported Increasing Wasilla Sales Tax From 2 to 2.5 Percent to Build $14.7 Million Sports Center. “Wasilla residents have given the go-ahead to building a new multiuse sports center in town and to raising the city sales tax to pay for it. With the final votes counted Friday, residents voted 306 to 286 in favor of a measure to raise thecity sales tax from 2 percent to 2.5 percent to pay the estimated$14.7 million cost of building the center…Mayor Sarah Palin, whosupported the measure, said the tight vote will motivate city officials to keep a close eye on the budget for the center.” [Anchorage Daily News, 3/9/02]

Palin Increased Taxes on Oil Companies to Pay for $1,200 Giveaway to Every Resident in the State. “One of her most significant accomplishments as governor was passing a major tax increase on state oil production, angering oil companies but raising billions of dollars in new revenue. She said the oil companies had previously bribed legislators to keep the taxes low. She subsequently championed legislation that would give some of that money back to Alaskans: Soon,every Alaskan will receive a $1,200 check.” [New York Times, 8/30/08]

PALIN: “It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.

With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost - there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.

But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.

They overlooked the caliber of the man himself - the determination,resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better.”

REALITY: PALIN COUNTED MCCAIN OUT TWICE

February 2008: Palin Wouldn’t Endorse McCain. “Top Alaska Republicans were downcast Thursday as Mitt Romney suspended his presidential campaign just two days after overwhelmingly winning the state party caucus. Romney’s decision makes it nearly certain Arizona Sen. John McCain will be the party’s nominee for president. McCain finished dead last in the Alaska Republican preference poll, behind Romney, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. McCain opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and has repeatedly battled with Sen. Ted Stevens over federal spending on Alaska projects… Republican Gov. Sarah Palin said she won’t make an endorsement until she can speak to McCain. [Anchorage Daily News (Alaska), 2/3/08]

July 2007: Palin Was Waiting For A New Player In GOP Primary. ‘A lot of us are sitting back and waiting to see if there will be new players in there,’ Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said. ‘That’s probably why that box that says ‘none of the above’ is so popular right now.’ [The Associated Press State & Local Wire, 7/23/07]

Palin Couldn’t Support McCain Because Of His Opposition To ANWR. “Some Alaska Republicans are conflicted over McCain, including Gov. Sarah Palin. They like his maverick reputation and military background but not his opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.‘She said she’d like to support McCain but felt she couldn’t at this particular time because of his stand on ANWR,’ said the governor’s spokeswoman, Sharon Leighow.” [Anchorage Daily News (Alaska), 2/3/08]

PALIN: “They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America …who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.”

Palin Backed A Two-Year Extension Of The Export License To Export Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) To Japan And Other Asian Countries—Criticized Because Alaska’s Gas Reserves Are Declining. “Alaska producers can continue shipping gas to Asia after DOE last week approved an extension of the export license for the Kenai liquefied natural gas plant owned by ConocoPhillips and Marathon. The companies will be allowed to export up to 98.1 Bcf to Japan and other Pacific Rim countries over a two-year period through March 31, 2011. […] The application came under fire from local end-users, including gas distribution companies Enstar and the Chugach Electric Association, as well as fertilizer maker Agrium, all of which claimed the exports would exacerbate the problem of declining gas reserves in south-central Alaska. Agrium permanently closed its plant near Kenai due toan inability to find enough local supply for the facility that used 53Bcf/year. In January, ConocoPhillips and Marathon reached a deal inwhich they agreed to step up development in the Cook Inlet region in return for the state's support of the export license extension. The producers also agreed to divert gas from the LNG plant as needed to meet the peak winter supply needs of the local utilities. […] Alaska Governor Sarah Palin welcomed the DOE approval. "In these times of economic uncertainty, this is great news for the state and its residents. This extension will secure a future for the LNG operation and is another step toward ensuring energy supplies and energy security for Alaska," the Republican governor said. [Platts Inside FERC, 6/9/08]

· Agrium Closed Manufacturing Plant Because Of Gas Shortage.“Reserves of gas in producing fields in South-central Alaska are declining, posing concerns for supply to local utilities. A manufacturing plant on the Kenai Peninsula owned by Agrium Corp.recently announced it would close because the gas shortage.” [Alaska Journal Of Commerce, 11/25/07]

· Gov. Palin: Agrium Closure Is Unfortunate. “Agrium announced yesterday that the plant will close in December due to a shortage inthe supply of Cook Inlet natural gas, leaving about 100 of the 140employees without employment. ‘It's unfortunate to see the closure of a facility that has provided so many jobs that support families on the Peninsula,’ said Governor Palin. ‘I am heartened to hear that Agrium is willing to keep its options open if sufficient long-term supplies of gas can be found. We know there is more gas to be found and developed in Cook Inlet, so I remain hopeful that those jobs can be preserved.’” [Palin press release, 9/26/07]

PALIN: “As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever hegoes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man. I’m not amember of the permanent political establishment.”

1999: Campaigning In San Francisco, CA, McCain Said “I Would Not Support Repeal Of Roe v. Wade.” In August 1999, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that McCain said he “would not support repeal of Roe vs. Wade”: “I'd love to see a point where (Roe vs. Wade) is irrelevant, and could be repealed because abortion is no longer necessary. But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe vs. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to (undergo) illegal and dangerous operations.” [The San Francisco Chronicle, 8/20/99]

· McCain Said Roe v. Wade Should Be Overturned. McCain said,“I do not support Roe v. Wade. I think it should be overturned.” [New York Times, 2/24/07]

At A Private Meeting With Hispanic Community Leaders, McCain “Assured Leaders He Would Push Through Congress Legislation To Overhaul Federal Immigration Laws If Elected.” “Republican presidential John McCain assured Hispanic leaders he would push through Congress legislation to overhaul federal immigration laws if elected, several people who attended a private meeting with the candidate said Thursday.Democrats questioned why the Arizona senator held the meeting late Wednesday night in Chicago. But supporters who were in the room denied that McCain held the closed-door session out of fear of offending conservatives, many of whom want him to take a harder line on immigration. … ‘He's one John McCain in front of white Republicans.And he's a different John McCain in front of Hispanics,’ complained Rosanna Pulido, a Hispanic and conservative Republican who attended the meeting. Pulido, who heads the Illinois Minuteman Project, which advocates for restrictive immigration laws, said she thought McCain was ‘pandering to the crowd’ by emphasizing immigration reform in his15-minute speech. ‘He's having his private meetings to rally Hispanics and to tell them what they want to hear,’ she said. ‘I'm outraged that he would reach out to me as a Hispanic but not as a conservative.’” [AP, 6/20/08]

· During GOP Primary Debate At Reagan Library, McCain Said HeWould Oppose the Legislation He Authored With Kennedy. McCain co-authored the McCain-Kennedy comprehensive immigration bill which wasdescribed in 2006 by the Miami Herald as “the most generous of the bills now before Congress.” The legislation “would legalize as many as11 million undocumented immigrants” and “grant temporary work permits to illegal immigrants and then after waiting six years and paying a$2,000 fine, it would enable them to apply for green cards.” During aRepublican presidential primary debate held at the Regan Library,McCain was asked whether he would vote for the this immigration legislation that he previously sponsored. When pressed, he eventually replied, “No, I would not.” [Miami Herald, 2/24/06; CNN GOP Presidential Debate, 1/30/08]

PALIN: “But we are expected to govern with integrity, and goodwill,and clear convictions…”

REALITY: PALIN UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR ABUSE OF POWER.

Former State Official Accused Palin, Palin’s Former Chief of Staff andCurrent Ted Stevens Campaign Manager and Palin’s Husband Of PressuringHim to Fire Trooper. In July 2008, former state official Walt Monegan accused Palin, Palin’s former Chief of Staff and current Stevens’campaign manager Mike Tibbles and husband Todd Palin of pressuring him to fire Palin sister’s ex-husband Mike Wooten. [Anchorage DailyNews, 07/18/08]

July 2008: Special Counsel Appointed Last Month to Investigate PalinAbuse of Power Claim. In July 2008, the Alaska State Legislator voted12-0 to approve $100,000 for a special investigator to begin an investigation into claims Palin fired a former state official because he would not fire a state trooper who was involved in a bitter custody battle with Palin’s sister. The legislator’s intent was to investigate the events surrounding the termination of former Dept. of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan and potential abuses of power and improper action by Palin and her administration. [KTVA 11,07/28/08]

PALIN: “We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers.”

Palin Responded Favorably to Obama’s Energy Plan. According to a news release from her office, Gov. Sarah Palin, R-AK, said she was“pleased” by Obama’s energy plan. “I am pleased to see Senator Obama acknowledge the huge potential Alaska’s natural gas reserves represent in terms of clean energy and sound jobs,” she said. “The steps takenby the Alaska State Legislature this past week demonstrate that we areready, willing and able to supply the energy our nation needs.” The press release said that “in a speech given in Lansing, Michigan,Senator Obama called for the completion of the Alaska natural gaspipeline, stating, ‘Over the next five years, we should also leasemore of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for oil and gas production. And we should also tap more of our substantial natural gas reserves and work with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process.’” [Palin press release, 8/4/08]

PALIN: “ But listening to him speak, it’s easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate.”

REALITY: OBAMA PASSED THE MOST SWEEPING REFORMS SINCE WATERGATEIN BOTH THE ILLINOIS AND US SENATES, AMONG OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Obama Helped Pass The 2007 Ethics Reform Law, Which Curbed The Influence Of Lobbyists And Was Described As The “Most Sweeping Since Watergate.” In the first week of the 110th Congress, Obama joined with Senator Feingold to introduce a “Gold Standard” ethics package. Many of the Obama/Feingold bill’s most important provisions were included in the final ethics reform package passed by the Senate in late January: a full ban on gifts and meals from lobbyists including those paid by the firms that employ lobbyists; an end to subsidized travelon corporate jets; full disclosure of who's sponsoring earmarks and for what purpose; additional restrictions to close the revolving door between public service and lobbying to ensure that public service isn't all about lining up a high-paying lobbying job; and requiring lobbyists to disclose the contributions that they "bundle" - that is, collect or arrange - for members of Congress, candidates, and partycommittees. In January 2007, the Washington Post wrote in aneditorial that “…Mr. Reid, along with Sens. Russell Feingold (D-Wis.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), deserves credit for assembling and passing this package.” In September 2007, the AP reported, “President Bushsigned a bill Friday that will require lawmakers to disclose more about their efforts to fund pet projects and raise money from lobbyists, a measure that backers call the biggest ethics reform in decades…Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. who had pushed for the bundlingprovisions and was one of four lawmakers who participated in a Democratic conference call to reporters said the measure marks "themost sweeping ethics reform since Watergate.” [S. 230, 110thCongress; S.1, Became Public Law 109-110-81, 9/14/07; AP, 9/15/07;TheWashington Post, Editorial, 1/21/07]

Obama Passed Illinois State Gift Ban Act “Heralded As the MostSweeping Good-Government Legislation in Decades.” In 1998, Obama passed the Illinois Gift Ban that prohibited legislators, state officers and employees, and judges from soliciting or receiving gifts from a person or entity with interests affected by government. The Chicago Tribune wrote, “Gov. Jim Edgar signed into law Wednesday anethics and campaign finance package heralded as the most sweeping good-government legislation in decades.” The law also required greater campaign finance disclosure and limited the uses for which raisedmoney could be spent. Obama said, “I have seen a general cynicism from taxpayers about government. They believe they have no influence on the process since they don't have the money of special interest groups. With the gift ban and the ban on Springfield fund-raisers that are contained in this legislation, I think at least some of thisconfidence will be restored.” [HB672, 3R P 52-4-1, 5/22/98; PA90-0737, 8/12/98; Chicago Tribune, 8/13/98; Chicago Independent Bulletin, 6/4/98]

Ø Illinois Ethics Bill Most Far Reaching Since Watergate,Product Of Bipartisan Work. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote ofObama’s bill, “The ethics restrictions would be the most far-reaching since the Watergate-era campaign financial disclosure law. They are the product of months of negotiations among two lawmakers of each party, other state officials and Mike Lawrence. He is an aide toformer Sen. Paul Simon, a Democrat, and used to be an aide to Edgar, a Republican.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 5/24/98]

Obama And Lugar Passed Law Boosting U.S. Efforts To Keep WMDs AndOther Dangerous Weapons Out Of The Hands Of Terrorists. In 2006,Obama and Lugar introduced The Cooperative Proliferation DetectionAct, which was passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committeeunanimously on May 26, 2006 and was eventually incorporated into the Department of State Authorities Act of 2006 and signed into law onJanuary 11, 2007. According to a Senate Foreign Relations Committeereport on its legislative activity in the 109th Congress, “The committee passed S. 2566, The Cooperative Proliferation Detection,Interdiction Assistance, and Conventional Threat Reduction Act of 2006by unanimous consent on May 26, 2006. The legislation authored by Chairman Lugar and Senator Obama enhances: (1) U.S. cooperation with foreign governments to destroy conventional weapons stockpiles aroundthe world; and (2) the United States' ability to provide assistance to foreign governments aimed at helping them detect and interdict weapons and materials of mass destruction. The legislation, which garnered 26 co-sponsors (including 8 committee members), sought to energize U.S.programs to secure lightweight anti-aircraft missiles…The initiative was modeled after the Nunn-Lugar program that focuses on weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union. The legislation was signed into law on January 11, 2007, as a part of H.R. 6060, theDepartment of State Authorities Act of 2006.” [P.L. 109-472, 1/11/07;House Report 109-706, 9/3/06; S. 2566, 109th Congress; S.1949, 109th Congress; Senate Report 110-40, 3/29/07]

Ø Lugar Said It Was Accurate That Said Obama Reached Out To HimAnd They Passed Legislation To Lock Down Loose Nuclear Weapons.“Republican Sen. Dick Lugar (IN) today said an Obama campaign ad which features him is ‘accurate.’ The ad makes the point the Obama previously ‘reached out’ to Lugar to ‘help lock down loose nuclear weapons.’ Lugar is widely considered one of the most knowledgeable in the area of nuclear weapons proliferation and the coauthored of the1991 Nunn-Lugar Act on cooperative threat reduction. ‘He did’ reachout, Lugar said. He explained that in 2005, Obama asked if he couldjoin Lugar on a trip to Russia and other countries to visit sitesunder the Nunn-Lugar program. ‘After that, we had legislation that we cosponsored together which passed’ dealing with dangerous missiles.‘So I am pleased we had that opportunity to work together,’ Lugarsaid. ‘I'm pleased we had the association Sen. Obama describes.’ But Lugar made clear up front that while the ad was accurate, and he's comfortable with the association, ‘There is no chance I will consider running with Barack Obama.’” [MSNBC, 7/15/08]

Obama and Coburn Passed A Bill Creating A “Google-like” Database ForThe Public To Search Details About Federal Funding Awards. In 2006,Obama and Coburn co-authored a bill to create a “Google-like” database of information on federal spending. The bill requires the OMB byJanuary 1, 2008, to make available to the public a searchable, freewebsite that includes the (1) amount; (2) transaction type; (3)funding agency; (4) North American Industry Classification Systemcode or Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number; (5) programsource; (6) an award title descriptive of the purpose of each fundingaction; (7) the name and location of the recipient and the primary location of performance; and (8) a unique identifier of the recipient and any parent entity. The site must allow users to conduct separate searches that distinguish between awards that are grants, sub-grants,loans, cooperative agreements, and other forms of financial assistance and awards that are contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, task orders, and delivery orders. [S. 2590, Passed by Unanimous Consent,9/7/06; Became PL 109-282, 9/26/06]

Obama Passed Law Ensuring That Wounded Veterans Recovering In Military Hospitals Do Not Have To Pay For Their Meals Or Phone Calls To FamilyMembers. In 2005, Obama sponsored and passed an amendment that to the2005 emergency supplemental appropriations act ensuring that wounded veterans recovering in military hospitals do not have to pay for theirown meals or phone calls to family members. The amendment was then passed in each of the following Congresses. Prior to passage of the amendment, service members receiving physical therapy or rehabilitation services in a medical hospital for more than 90 days were required to pay for their meals. Obama’s amendment required the military to provide free meals for service members in militaryhospitals undergoing recuperation or therapy as a result of wounds sustained in Iraq or Afghanistan. The amendment was retroactive toJanuary 1, 2005 in an effort to provide those injured service memberswho received bills for their meals with some relief from those costs.The amendment became law. [S. Amdt. 390, Passed by unanimous consent,4/14/05 to H.R.1268, Signed by the President, 5/11/05, Became PublicLaw No: 109-013; Obama Press Release, 5/11/05]

Obama Proposals Providing Improvements In Health Care For RecoveringSoldiers Were Passed Into Law, Including Requirements For Post-Deployment Mental Health Screenings And National Study On The Needs OfIraq War Veterans. H.R. 976, passed by the Senate on August 2, 2007,includes several provisions from bills originally sponsored by Senators Obama and McCaskill. The provisions would improve healthcare services and health care tracking for service members, and would require post-deployment, face to face mental health screenings for returning service members within 30 days. The bill also adopts other Obama-McCaskill legislation, the HERO Act, which would launch a major national research endeavor into the readjustment needs of returningservice members, veterans and their families. The bill also included measures to improve and reform the disability rating process. [Vote307, H.R. 976, Passed, 68-31, 8/2/07; S. 713, 110th Congress; S. 1271,110th Congress; Obama Press Release, 7/25/07; H.R. 4986, Became PublicLaw No: 110-181, 1/28/08]

Obama Worked With Republicans To Pass Legislation, Which Became Law, Improving And Increasing Services For Homeless Veterans. In 2006,Congress passed a Veterans Affairs Committee bill which includedseveral provisions originating in Obama’s SAVE Act (S. 1180) and Homesfor Heroes Act (S. 3475). “The legislation…includes a number of proposals from legislation Senator Obama had previously introduced (S.1180, the SAVE Act and S.3475 the Homes for Heroes Act) to expand and improve services for homeless veterans. The bill permanently authorizes and increases funding to $130 million per year for a competitive grant program to provide homeless services to veterans. It greatly increases a successful program to provide rental vouchers tohomeless veterans. The legislation extends programs to providing treatment for veterans with mental illnesses and other special needs.And it permanently extends VA's ability to transfer property it owns to homeless shelters.” Obama worked with VA Committee RepublicansCraig and Burr on the committee legislation that eventually became law. [S. 3421/P.L. 109-461; S. 1180, 109th Congress; S. 3475, 109thCongress; Obama Press Release, 6/26/06]

Obama Passed Bipartisan Legislation That Expanded Health Care CoverageTo 154,000 Residents, Including 70,000 Children. As a state senator,Barack Obama sponsored and helped pass legislation that expanded andmade permanent Illinois’ KidCare program by raising eligibility from 185% to 200% of the federal poverty level. The legislation provided coverage for an additional 20,000 children and 65,000 more Illinois adults in the first year, and by 2007 had expanded health care to70,000 kids and 84,000 adults. In its endorsement for his Senate race,the State Journal-Register wrote, “Obama brings similar common-senseviews to improving health care in America - for example, as a state senator he championed the successful KidCare program that assiststhousands of children of the working poor.” The bill was sponsored inthe state House by Sandra Pihos, a Republican and passed 42-13. [93rdGA, SB 130, 3R P 42-13-2; Signed into law 6/30/03, PA 93-0063; ChicagoDaily Herald, 7/2/03; Blagojevich release, 1/9/07; Blagojevich release, 4/13/07; Kaiser family report, 5/07; State Journal-Register,10/29/04]

Obama Passed A Bill Creating $100 Million Earned Income Tax Credit AsA Member Of The Minority Party In The Illinois Senate. In 1999, Obamawas the lead sponsor of a bill making Illinois the 11th state to adoptan earned income-tax credit. The bill provided that each individualtaxpayer is entitled to a credit against the tax imposed by the Act inan amount equal to 5% of the federal earned income tax credit allowed.Then-Gov. George Ryan opposed the move, but an unlikely politicalalliance – including Republicans and Democrats – formed to reduce thetax burden on working poor families. The AP wrote, “The new law, whichoffers about $105 million in tax breaks over the next three years,gives a state income tax credit equal to 5 percent of a similarfederal tax credit. For the average working family making less than$30,580, that amounts to about $55 a year, or 15 cents a day. Themaximum credit for families with two or more children is $191 ayear.” [91st GA, HB 3939; 4/14/00, 3R P; 59-0-0; P.A. 91-0700,5/11/00; Chicago Tribune, 4/10/99]

Obama Passed Near-Unanimous Death Penalty Overhaul Package. Obama wasthe chief co-sponsor and voted for bill creating the CapitalPunishment Reform Study Committee Act. The proposal, which wasapproved on a 57-1 vote, was virtually identical to reforms pushed in2002 by then-Gov. George Ryan. If passed by the House and signed intolaw by the governor, the bill would let judges rule out a deathsentence for someone convicted solely on the testimony of a jailhouseinformant, accomplice or single witness; let the state Supreme Courtoverturn a death sentence that was “fundamentally unjust.; Reduce thecrimes eligible for the death penalty by focusing on “inherentlyviolent” offenses; Expand defendants’ access to genetic evidence usedagainst them; Ban police officers from the police force if theycommitted perjury in a murder case; and Require juries to consider adefendant’s history of abuse or mental illness when deciding whether to impose the death sentence. Obama said, “As far as the Bill goes, it doesn't address whether the death penalty is applied fairly to allraces and in all regions of the state. And it doesn't appease those who want capital punishment eliminated.” [93rd GA, SB 0472; 4/3/03,3R P; 57-1-0; 5/29/03, HA1 SC; 56-3-0; 11/5/03, OAV P; 58-0-0; P.A.93-0605, 11/25/03; Pantagraph, 4/4/03; Associated Press, 4/24/03]

REALITY: Obama has expressed support for a bipartisan compromisethat would cut tax breaks for oil companies, invest in alternative energies, and allow for limited new offshore drilling

Obama Said He Would Be Open To Offshore Drilling If We Come Up With “AGenuine Bipartisan Compromise” To Get To Energy Independence.“Senator Barack Obama said Saturday that he would reluctantly consider accepting some new offshore oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico in exchange for stripping oil companies of tax breaks and extending several tax credits to spur the search for alternative fuels. At the same time, Senate Republicans appear to have dropped their insistence on opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling. Mr. Obamahas until now opposed any offshore drilling. But in a news conferencehere, he noted that there had been ‘very constructive’ talks between Senate Republicans and Democrats on this issue in recent days,applauding a plan unveiled by a group of Republican and Democratic senators to permit drilling while supporting an effort to convert most vehicles to using alternative fuels in 20 years. ‘If we come up with a genuine bipartisan compromise, where I have to accept some things thatI don’t like in order to get energy independence,’ Mr. Obama said,‘that’s something I will have to consider.’ Still, he cautioned thathe was not yet ‘ready to sign off on any approach.’” [New York Times,8/3/08]

Ø Tapper: “This Strikes Me As Not A Complete And Utter Reversal“But Rather “A Recognition That Energy Legislation RequiresCompromise.” “Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, now says he'd be willing to consider legislation including expanded off-shore drilling if part of a larger package, despite his long-time opposition to the idea. I'mwith my friend Marc Ambinder -- this strikes me as not quite a complete and utter reversal, but certainly a shift in tone andlanguage, indicating a softening of his opposition and a recognition that energy legislation requires compromise. Not unlike Sen. JohnMcCain's statement that when it comes to Social Security reform, everything must be on the table, even though he personally opposes tax increases. (Though the back-peddling on that was confounding.).” [ABCNews, 8/2/08]

Ø Ambinder: “This Strikes Me As Less Of A Shift And More As AGesture Of Sorts To The Reality That The Major Cap And TradeLegislation Next Year…Requires The Participation Of And CompromiseFrom The Industry.” Marc Ambinder wrote, “In an interview yesterday, Obama said that he'd be willing to accept additional domestic oil exploration as part of a bipartisan compromise on energy reform. Thisstrikes me as less of a shift and more as a gesture of sorts to the reality that the major cap and trade legislation next year thatCongress will mark up -- legislation that will be introduced regardless of who's president -- requires the participation of and compromise from the industry. The oil industry has two cards, basically, in the negotiations. One: that windfall profits taxes would disincentivize further exploration somehow... two: that, as the staple source of energy, oil companies ought to have more land/water to figure out where oil is and then tap those pools. Democrats are more likely to compromise on the second, rather than the first. Notethat Obama is still opposed to expanded drilling off the coasts of Florida.” [The Atlantic, 8/2/08]

Ø Stoller: Obama Supported A “Real Compromise” On Energy. Obama’s position on drilling is “actually a real compromise…the compromise put forward by Obama would in fact move us forward onsustainable energy while raising taxes on the oil companies. Sinceopening up new areas to oil companies is more about financial manipulation of oil leases than actually drilling, this is calling the oil company's bluff.” [Open Left, 8/5/08]

Ø Pelosi: Obama Position On Gang Of Ten Compromise WasPresidential. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said, “What SenatorObama said is what we want a president to say…Let's look at all of the options. Let's compare them. And let's see what really does increase our supply, protect our environment, save our economy, protect the consumer, instead of a single-shot thing that does none of the above.” [Washington Times, 8/4/08]

PALIN: “Victory in Iraq is finally in sight … he wants to forfeit.”

REALITY: BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND INDEPENDENT MILITARY EXPERTSAGREE THAT DRAWING DOWN ONE TO TWO BRIGADES A MONTH IS NOT ONLYPOSSIBLE BUT SAFE

McCain Said He Thought 16 Months Is A Pretty Good Timetable ForWithdrawal >From Iraq. McCain was asked, “So why do you think he said that 16 months is basically a pretty good timetable?” McCainr esponded, “He said it's a pretty good timetable based on conditions on the ground. I think it's a pretty good timetable, as we should --or horizons for withdrawal. But they have to be based on conditions onthe ground.” [CNN, 7/25/08]

Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki: “Obama Is Right When He Talks About 16Months.” “Asked in an interview with German news magazine Der Spiegel of when he would like to see American forces leave Iraq, Maliki said:‘As soon as possible, as far as we’re concerned.’ He then added that‘Obama is right when he talks about 16 months. Assuming that positive developments continue, this is about the same time period that corresponds to our wishes.’” [The Hill, 7/19/08]

Maj. Gen. Anderson Said Current Capacity to Remove 2 ½ Brigade CombatTeams a Month. “The military has been redeploying troops for years,and Maj. Gen. Charles Anderson, who would help with the withdrawal, told us as we toured Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, ‘We have the capacity to do a minimum of two-and-a-half brigade combat teams a month -- can we expand that capacity? Sure. Can we accelerate? It depends. It depends on the amount of equipment that we bring back. And it's going to depend on how fast we bring them out.’" [ABC News, 7/11/08]

4/8/08: Petraeus, Asked By a McCain Ally Whether A Brigade a MonthCould Be With Drawn From Iraq, Said It Could Be “Doable.” In a Senate Hearing before the Committee on Armed Services, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), asked General Petraeus what would happen if one brigade per month was withdrawn beginning in January 2009. Petraeus responded, “It clearly would depend on the conditions of that time. If conditions were good, quite good, that might be doable.” [Senate Hearing before Senate Committee on Armed Services, 4/8/08]

9/07: Larry Korb Wrote “A Phased Military Redeployment From Iraq OverThe Next 10 To 12 Months Would Begin Extracting U.S. Troops FromIraq’s Internal Conflicts Immediately And Would Be Completed By TheEnd Of 2008.” Lawrence J. Korb, former Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration, along with Max A. Bergmann, Sean E.Duggen, Peter M. Juul, wrote for a Center for American Progress Report, “A phased military redeployment from Iraq over the next 10 to12 months would begin extracting U.S. troops from Iraq’s internal conflicts immediately and would be completed by the end of 2008.During this timeframe, the military will not replace outgoing troops as they rotate home at the end of their tours and will draw down force and equipment levels gradually, at a pace similar to previous rotations conducted by our military over the past four years. According to a U.S. military official in Baghdad involved in planning,a withdrawal could take place safely in this time period.” [“How to Redeploy: Implementing a Responsible Drawdown of U.S. Forces fromIraq” September 2007, Center for American Progress]

7/13/07: Pace Said US Forces Were “Designed Right Now To Be Able ToIncrease Or Decrease About One Brigade Per Month.” General Peter Pace, former Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff said, “On the logistics side,the system itself is designed right now to be able to increase or decrease about one brigade per month. Can you surge U.S. military andcommercial capacity beyond those numbers? Sure. But for a normal planning factor, we’re looking at either adding or subtracting about one brigade a month.” [DoD Media Roundtable with Secretary Gates andGen. Pace, 7/13/07]

12/6/06: Iraq Study Group Report Said “All Combat Brigades NotNecessary For Force Protection Could Be Out Of Iraq” By the FirstQuarter of 2008—15 Months. The Iraq Study Group’s independent assessment, released Dec. 6, 2006, found that, “By the first quarterof 2008, subject to unexpected developments in the security situation on the ground, all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq.” [Iraq Study Group Report]

PALIN: “Terrorist states are seeking new-clear weapons without delay… he wants to meet them without preconditions.”

REALITY: REPUBLICANS AGREE WITH DIRECT TALKS WITH IRAN

Defense Secretary Gates: We Need To “Sit Down And Talk” With Iran.“The United States should construct a combination of incentives and pressure to engage Iran, and may have missed earlier opportunities to begin a useful dialogue with Tehran, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gatessaid yesterday. ‘We need to figure out a way to develop some leverage . . . and then sit down and talk with them," Gates said. "If there is going to be a discussion, then they need something, too. Wecan't go to a discussion and be completely the demander, with them not feeling that they need anything from us.’” [Washington Post, 5/15/08]

Henry Kissinger Said That The U.S. Should Negotiate Directly WithIran. “Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said the U.S. should negotiate directly with Iran over its nuclear program and other bilateral issues. ‘One should be prepared to negotiate, and I think we should be prepared to negotiate about Iran,’ Kissinger, who brokered the end of the 1973 Yom Kippur war and peace talks with the North Vietnamese, said yesterday in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Asked whether he meant the U.S. should hold direct talks, Kissinger,84, responded: ‘Yes, I think we should.’” [Bloomberg, 3/14/08]

Hagel: The United States Should Actively Pursue Direct, Unconditional,And Comprehensive Talks With Iran. Hagel said, “Now is the time for the United States to actively pursue an offer of direct, unconditional, and comprehensive talks with Iran. We cannot afford to refuse to consider this strategic choice any longer. We should make clear that everything is on the table, our issues and Iran'sissues.” [CNN, 11/8/07]

Lugar: Direct Talks With Iran “Would Be Useful.” “The United Statesneeds to pursue direct talks and other diplomatic avenues with Iran about its disputed nuclear program before considering a military option, lawmakers from both parties said yesterday. ‘I think that would be useful,’ said Richard Lugar, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, when asked on ABC's ‘This Week’ about having direct talks. ‘The Iranians are a part of the energy picture,’ saidLugar, a Republican from Indiana. ‘We need to talk about that.’” [AP,4/17/06]

Former H.W. Bush Secretary of State James Baker: “It's Not Appeasementto Talk to Your Enemies.” James Baker said, “I can't make that judgment here this morning because I don't know what other elements are involved in it. I will say just generally as I've been saying since I've been on this book tour that I believe in talking to your enemies. I don't think you restrict your conversations to yourfriends. At the same time, it's got to be hard-nosed. It's got to be determined. You don't give away anything, but in my view, it's not appeasement to talk to your enemies. There ought to be some way. I mean, I point out the fact that I made 15 trips to Damascus back in 1991 when they were on our list of countries of state-sponsored terrorism and they changed 25 years…”[“This Week,” ABC NewsTranscripts, 10/8/06]

Arlen Specter: It Seems Unrealistic That We Say To The Opposite PartyThat As A Precondition To Discussions We Want The Principal Concession We’re After. Republican Senator Arlen Specter said in a hearing of the Defense Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, “Now, the position taken by the Secretary of State has been we won't talk to Iran unless, as a precondition, they stop enriching uranium. It seems to me that it is unrealistic to try to have discussions but to say to the opposite party, as a precondition to discussions, we want the principal concession that we're after. Do you think it makes sense to insist on a concession like stopping enriching uranium, which is what our ultimate objective is, before we even sit down and talk to them on a broader range of issues?” [Hearing of the Defense Subcommittee ofthe Senate Appropriations Committee, 5/20/08]

Rice: I Am Prepared To Meet My Counterpart At Any Time If Iran Suspends Its Enrichment and Processing Activities. Condoleezza Rice said, “I am prepared to meet my counterpart or an Iranian representative at any time if Iran will suspend its enrichment and reprocessing activities. That should be a clear signal.” [AP, 2/25/07]

Analysts Say McCain’s Plan Would Increase The Deficit More ThanObama’s. “Experts say that both the McCain plan and the Obama plan would increase the deficit, and that neither man has adequately explained how his proposals would be paid for. But several analysts have said they believe that Mr. McCain’s plan would increase the deficit more, because of the size of the tax cuts he is seeking.” [NewYork Times, 6/11/08]

McCain’s Tax Cuts Will Either Explode The Federal Deficit Or Require “Unprecedented Cuts” In Federal Spending On Domestic Programs. “Sen.John McCain is proposing tax cuts that would either cause the federal deficit to explode or would require unprecedented spending cuts equal to one-third of federal spending on domestic programs. Once thought ofas a deficit hawk, the near-certain Republican presidential nominee is now putting more stress on the traditional Republican orthodoxy of taxcuts.” [Wall Street Journal, 4/22/08]

New York Times: McCain’s Budget Will Add $200 Or $300 Billion To TheDeficit Per Year. “The Obama campaign claims it can pay for all this,and even reduce the deficit, through tax increases and spending cuts. I think a more skeptical look at its budget leaves you worried it may add something like $50 billion a year to the deficit. But applying the same arched brow to Mr. McCain’s stated plans leaves you worried that he will add $200 billion or $300 billion or, depending on his voluntary tax system, even more.” [New York Times, 6/18/08]

Tax Policy Center Report Said That McCain’s Budget Plan Would Add $5Trillion To The Debt Over The Next Decade. “Obama's plan -- cuts targeted to middle- and low-income Americans and increases for the wealthy -- would increase the national debt by an estimated $3.4 trillion in the next decade, the center said. Under a similar analysis, McCain's plan -- largely a continuation of Bush's tax reductions -- would add $5 trillion.” [Los Angeles Times, 7/24/08]

· Full Repeal Of The AMT Would Cost Over $150 Billion A Year.According to the Wall Street Journal, altering the Alternative Minimum Tax for middle class families at $91 billion annually. Eliminating the AMT for up-incomer earners would be an additional $60 billion per year. [Wall Street Journal, 4/16/08]

April 2008: McCain “Changed His Position” On Balancing The Budget,Said Economic Conditions Made It Unrealistic. John McCain had previously said he would balance the budget in four years, but changed his position in April saying that “economic conditions are reversed” and it would instead take eight years. [New York Times, 4/16/08]

PALIN: “Taxes are too high … he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific. The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes … raise payroll taxes … raise investment income taxes … raise the death tax … raise business taxes … and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars.”

REALITY: OBAMA TAX PROPOSAL WILL NOT RAISE TAXES AND WILLPROVIDE A BIGGER BREAK FOR MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES THAN MCCAIN’S PLAN

Annenberg Political Fact Check: McCain’s Ad Attacking Obama’s PlansThat Would Increase Taxes And Bring On “Years Of Deficits” And “Billions In New Government Spending” “Puts Another Stitch In WhatWe’ve Call His Pattern Of Deceit On Obama’s Tax Plan.” “McCain's new ad puts another stitch in what we've called his pattern of deceit on Obama's tax plan. This one claims Obama and congressional Democrats plan to push forward ‘painful tax increases on working American families’ and that they will bring about ‘years of deficits,’ ‘no balanced budgets’ and ‘billions in new government spending.’ The ad is plain wrong about higher taxes on working families. In fact, Obama'seconomic plan would produce a tax cut for the majority of American households, with middle-income earners benefiting most. As for ‘years of deficits,’ exactly the same claim could be made about McCain's program. It's unlikely either Obama or McCain would balance the budget, and both are projected to increase the debt bytrillions.” [FactCheck.org, 9/2/08]

Legally Brunette! This was all I could think of as I listened to Palin address the RNC. It is obvious that Palin spent a lot of time rehearsing every word, gesture, and pun of the speech. But I could not help but think that I was watching an actress perform the make-or-break scene of her first major movie, and that at any moment Palin might say "Cut! Which one is my camera, again?"

Also, have Republicans ever fathomed that Fathers, in addition to older sisters, can hold their own babies? I cringed as I observed yet another of Palin's daughters holding her youngest sibling. A lightbulb must have gone off in some adviser's head, because at some point Cindy McCain was sent to play milk-maid. God, she looked so uncomfortable, as if thinking "I didn't sign up for this." I kept wondering where in the world the child's father was? Lo and behold, dad was finally sent out to do what so many American father's do every day.

o far by the looks of this convention – the Republicans would have trouble just trying to 'Change' a flat tire. As for Palin, I'm glad she can kill a Moose and be a pit bull wearing lipstick. But we need a leader who also uses diplomacy. Any 2 year old can say 'No' but apparently Palin's daughter cannot -hey Palin wants to scrutinize your family choices, so why can't we judge hers? As for Republicans -they gave us a B-Actor, & Curious George-a man w/the lowest IQ for President. So yeah anything is possible in America.

Viewing the comments, you certainly get a diverse cross section of what America is all about. I will simply say that more government is not what I favor. I was not happy with O'Bama or McCain and could not believe this is the best we could find to hold the highest office in the land. O'Bama is laughable and McCain is just too old in my opinion. So if you now move down a notch and think about who might have to replace a president, you are presented with Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. You will hear that Sarah had a speech writer and of course she did. Her speech was a combination of Republican ideals and her personal views and family issues. Bottom line is that she is the best out of the four at delivering a speech. If the speech writer is the same one that George Bush uses, then this is a great way to compare delivery. George Bush can not deliver a speech no matter who writes it. Sarah absolutely delivered her speech flawlessly. It actually surprised me, in a good way. Anyone that has even a mere understanding of how Congress works, knows that the job of President really carries only one weapon. The ability to veto. So my decision has to be the McCain / Palin ticket. She is real America and giving good speeches is good for the public. Having John McCain as her preceptor, she will learn fast. I would not be comfortable with Joe Biden running the highest office in the land. The media is now saying that Joe will eat her up in the debates. Can I get odds on that? The big issue coming Palins way is going to be the issue concerning her wanting the state trooper fired for personal reasons. If what I heard is true, I would have considered something more permenant than his being fired. Look forward to this entertaining event. Do people forget Clinton and Monica....and his famous statement, " it depends on what your definition of is, is". You want to explore family issues, what a mess he and Hillary lived in. So, I am a Palin supporter all the way going forward.

Please be advised that there are paid Obama bloggers out in full force. They say things like, "This is my first time in my Republican life that I will vote for a Democrat" or "I was a Hillary supporter and Palin is not getting my vote". They are PAID to try and sway regular every day bloggers. How can Obama afford this? Well let's see his lied about taking public financing and now he is raking in millions of dollars and speculation has it much is coming from overseas Islams! So don't let this sway your vote. McCain will lead us in the right direction. Our Democratic congress has a 9% approval rating. With Obama it will be the same ole same ole.

you say HRC was the "most qualified" candidate. thats one perception, very hard to pin down. both HRC and Obama inspired, remember?

had the chemistry between them been better, they could have run together against McCain & Palin. it just wasnt. now you blame only Obama for the poor chemistry? not logical & unfair, cause chemistry is always a mix. one substance alone doesnt mix or produce anything.

youre wrong to blame Obama only - and youre doubly wrong to punish all Democrats & to vote Republican to spite bad chemistry?

Just look at the (Republican) mess in the US and in the world, thats the republican Republic's work for the past 2 terms with Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rove & all those other in their coterie.

It was obvious from last nights performance (and please, don't think for one moment it wasn't) that Sarah Palin is a quick study and is great at repeating the words of her speech writers. I was hoping that I would see an electric but humble appearance as she duped the American public by portraying herself as something she is not. While beautiful and charming she is of Washington and has been since she was mayor by making decisions that were not in the best interest of the people she served or giving any credability to the office she served.
When appointed mayor she could not deal with it alone so she hired a manager to the tune of $60,000, taxpayer dollars. It's odd that none of her predacessors needed a teacher.
Consider this scenario: The McCain/ Palin ticket makes it to the white house. John McCain drops dead in March 09....then what?
We are left with a beautiful, charismatic woman who knows pretty much nothing except how to distribute oil revenue to the citizens of Alaska, revenue that they themselves call "hush money."
Do you want a woman in office who has three ethics violations against her; (yes she did the same sort of bullying when she was a mayor), do you want a woman who is heard laughing (audio: Huffingtonpost.com)
while her opponent Lyda Green is called a Bi..h and a cancer (Lyda was a cancer survivor) and laughed when Lyda was called fat? Those are just 2 of the many substantiated ethical errors, from a woman who spouts reform. Check in to her relationship with Ted Stevens and the money she raised for his campaigns, because it was politically correct for her.
I would look very deeply at the moral character of this woman, and then have a go at watching all of the McCain interviews. He is unfit to lead this country, although Sarah Palin might make a good babysitter.
John McCain even refuses to define the word HONOR, which he refers to all the time when talking about himself, in the Time interview on his own plane, the point being, unless somebody is there to feed him words he has no clue.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK. What you find out will take you past the glitz and glam and meat slinging of last night and show you the real people. The ones they don't want you to see, and this is NOT "Patriotic or Country First."

I've been living and working abroad for the last year and a half and watched the RNC last night. I am a Republican, but I am definitley not impressed with the state of the economy, Palin, or the Republican platform's lack of explaination on how they plan to resolve our economic issues. They certainly don't have my vote for this next election.

The Republican party appears to be some sick cult, fixated on bigotry and fearful aggression. Hitler convinced a nation of Germans to kill a group of other Germans just based on their religion. Watching the Republican convention appears to be displaying the same nationalism based tactics. God willing, this woman doesn't become VP, i think it will direct this country to an untimely demise.

as a former PUMA I have to say McCain did as much to unite the Democrats as anyone with this pick. Choosing such a radical Right candidate for VP really made me run back to my party and FAST. Her speech was your typical Republican speech, attack, attack, attack. Trust me, MOST of Hillary's loyal supporters do NOT support Sarah Palin.

I watched the speech with a friend from Belgium who is now a US citizen. First of all, he could barely watch. Second of all he said, what is wrong with the government taking money from those with more and giving it to others. http://www.bop-o-rama.com This is going to be some fall. Can't wait to see the Gallup Daily.

Most of my friends were completely sold as was I after seeing Palin's speach. I had been up on the fence wondering about whether to vote for obama because the news is so focused on pushing a democratic ticket, a little more unbiased coverage would be appreciated for us independants and conservative dems

Sorry, Washington Post, I'm crossing over. Sarah has my vote! Between Rudy and Sarah, I'm now convinced that the McCain/Palin ticket is the one. Oh, and why bring to light Mr. Pallin's DUI and not discuss Obama's cocaine use? I'd rather have a VP's husband having a drink in the White House than a cocaine user trying to make a decision. And if Rudy's right when he said that Obama just voted "present" over and over again in Washington, who are you guys kidding. I want a president who's more than "present." I want a president who can decide and stick with that decision. I feel so relieved! It's a McCain/Palin choice for me!

You have every right to be proud of your posts, as they are certainly sincere. I am sincere too, in my beliefs, and yet they differ so much from yours. This seems to be true about so many of us on this blog, and in this country. How does that happen? I believe that it depends on what happens to us at an early age. As a matter of fact, my belief is that Republicans are untreated victims of some sort of abuse in their early years, who then become afraid that if they let others have enough for their needs that there won't be enough for themselves. I also believe in these other things about being a Democrat:

"...the two political parties in our history have always been divided, as Emerson said, into the party of hope and the party of memory." - President John F. Kennedy
The Democratic party, at its best, is the party of inclusion and expansion...it is the party that led the drive after the great depression for social security of seniors, for jobs for common people, for mass-based education, for civil rights bills of the sixties." - Reverend Jesse Jackson
"You have to have been a Republican to know how good it is to be a Democrat." - Jacqueline Kennedy
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt
"I learned at a very early age that being a Democrat means caring about people, caring about the future of our country. It is the Democratic party which always has and always will fight for american families. For their jobs and their futures." - Vice President Al Gore
"I became a Democrat in 1978 because I did not believe the Republican party gives a damn about the American people. - Senator Bob Kerrey

"The Democratic party I've come to understand is an inclusive and diverse party whose principles are drawn from the same roots that guided men who wrote our constitution." - Senator George Mitchell

Democrats and Republicans both say you should climb the ladder of success. But the Republicans say, when you get to the top, pull the ladder up behind you. We Democrats say that you leave it down for others to climb too." - Senator Tom Harkin
"I decided to be a Democrat starting in the presidential elections of 1960 when John F. Kennedy excited me with a promise to get the country moving again. I think he gave people a sense that they could make a difference." - President Bill Clinton
"...the fundamental appeal of the Democratic party has always been grounded in the principles of fairness, opportunity, equal justice for all and a firm belief that the mission of government is not to stand on the sidelines, but to be active in pursuing these goals for the people." - Senator Ted Kennedy.
"As the modern champion of the rights of minorities, women, and working families, the Democratic party opened the door to me." - Governor Ann Richards

I don't see that kind of proactive, real world advocacy in the Republican party, and when you say you are a Christian, I wonder if you are familiar with Matthew Ch. 25?:

25:35 For I was hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink?

25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]?

25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

You may engage in these personally, but I have been around a while, and I have seen a Republican party that says they are Christian, but whose policies tell me otherwise. When we as a nation turn our backs upon the least, the homeless children and mothers, the handicapped, the old and the destitute, while spending billions of dollars on unjust military adventures around the world designed to enhance corporate interests and fill the pockets of the Cheneys and Bushes, we can not in good conscience call ourselves followers of Jesus. God is upset about many things if he is a caring Godand a just God ; I wouldn't be too smugh about Him taking out all his Wrath upon poor women who have such little hope that they make the terribly difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy. I imagine they agonize over it as least as much as Bush or Cheney has about the thousands of innocent children maimed and slaughtered in their quest to dominate the oil fields of Iraq and the Middle East. God Bless all in this world, not just America.

“Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens: I am honored to be considered for the nomination for Vice President of the United States...
I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.
I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election... against confident opponents ... at a crucial hour for our country.
And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions ... and met far graver challenges ... and knows how tough fights are won - the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.
It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.
With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost - there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.
But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.
They overlooked the caliber of the man himself - the determination, resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better.
And maybe that's because they realize there is a time for politics and a time for leadership ... a time to campaign and a time to put our country first.
Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by.
He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight.”
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Introduction to her speech, nothing mind-blowing. Kind of a hat tip to Obama, and McCain prior to the meat of what she wants to say
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“And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way.
Our son Track is 19.
And one week from tomorrow - September 11th - he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.
My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.
My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.
In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between - my strong and kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.
And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.
That's how it is with us.
Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys.
Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.
And children with special needs inspire a special love.
To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.
I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House. Todd is a story all by himself.
He's a lifelong commercial fisherman ... a production operator in the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope ... a proud member of the United Steel Workers' Union ... and world champion snow machine racer.
Throw in his Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry, and it all makes for quite a package.
We met in high school, and two decades and five children later he's still my guy. My Mom and Dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town.
And among the many things I owe them is one simple lesson: that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.
My parents are here tonight, and I am so proud to be the daughter of Chuck and Sally Heath. Long ago, a young farmer and habber-dasher from Missouri followed an unlikely path to the vice presidency.
A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.
I grew up with those people.
They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.
They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town.”
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Explains how she is just an everyday person who loves her country, respects her servicemen and women, and understands that is the workers, NOT the government that makes the country run. Opportunity is still available in this greatest country ever to grace the planet. Also, she brings to light something the left I don’t think truly realize – the conservative ideology does not mean perfection – you STILL end up with unwanted pregnancies, you still have struggles, you still make stupid decisions – it is how you deal with it and learn from it that is ALSO conservative values. Yes, her 19 year old daughter is pregnant, however, regardless of how you raise your children, they will not always take the correct and usually harder road. I will tell you for a fact that NO ONE can argue with – Abstinence, when practiced, is 100% effective. However, when choices are not wisely taken, how you deal with it is even MORE important than the fact that you, and others, are indeed human and will make mistakes – So anyone making an issue over her having children and a career, children and her age, a child who made a poor choice, or a husband that made a poor choice – get off your high horse!
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“I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better.
When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.
Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.
And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves.
I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.
We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.”
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Explaining where she came from and what she has done. The jabs may hurt, because they are true. It is the Obama folk who insist that she isn’t qualified to be VP, so, she compares what she did with what Obama did. As far as the latter, the truth sometimes does hurt.
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“As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment.
And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.
But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.”
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If anything can be said of John McCain, is he is the same man no matter who he is talking to. Like it or not, agree with him or not, he has his convictions and goes with it. That is why a lot of conservatives were not all that excited about the McCain nomination (myself being one of them), he voted too much on the democratic ideological lines. It also shows a sparkle of brilliance in his pick in Sarah Palin – She is one of the young, up and coming, truly conservative political figures in today’s political arena. She, and others like her, hopefully will bring back enforce the idea of lesser government, greater choices, and the United States being a great country and not the evil empire some on the left would have everyone believe. She is in it to truly make a change in the country, not raise to celebrity status and sway with the major media’s opinion on how things should be ran.
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“Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.
The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.
No one expects us to agree on everything.
But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart.
I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network.
Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.
But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up.
And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.
I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.
While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.
That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.
I also drive myself to work.
And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef - although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her. I came to office promising to control spending - by request if possible and by veto if necessary.”
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This tells of her sense of integrity and country first (in this case, state first). She didn’t care what party you were with, if you were not for the bettering of the state, get out of the way. She ran her government as a person. Not someone entitled (luxury jet, limo drivers), but someone with a servant’s heart (for those of you un-churched, yes, that is a biblical reference. It was Christ’s request for all of us). The eBay reference was probably a quick reference that she is in touch with a lot of todays people – I’m really not sure McCain or half of the people in congress know what eBay is, or have even considered using it.
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Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest - and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.
Our state budget is under control.
We have a surplus.
And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes.
I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.
I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.
If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged - directly to the people of Alaska.
And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.
As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.
I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history.
And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.
That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.
The stakes for our nation could not be higher.
When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.
With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.
To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas.
And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we've got lots of both.
Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already.
But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.
Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more new-clear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources.
We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers. I've noticed a pattern with our opponent.”
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Yes… there is some debate on the “Bridge to Nowhere” - congress stripped the specific earmark allocation of federal funds for the two bridges, without changing the amount of money allocated for use by Alaska. The end results, but no, the bridge wasn’t built. It does show her dedication to the people of her state, and not even the oil companies got their way (and we know how much those on the left despise the oil companies), in turn, returning monies generated from those pipelines to the people of Alaska. She also touches on the necessity of energy independence – something that would work greatly to improve our economy. Get and use our own resources, export the leftovers and minimize the effect of OPEC, Russia, and Venezuela on our economy by eliminating our dependency on their fuels. NOTE: this DOES NOT eliminate the ability to change what fuels we use for those out there who thing that humans are directly responsible for global warming, or is it global cooling now – I don’t know anymore. Not to mention – she took action to try and help ease the pain at the pump by suspending the gas tax – that would have been helpful especially here in Washington State where we pay the highest state tax in the country!
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“Maybe you have, too.
We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers.
And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.
But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate.
This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot - what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it.
Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit.
Terrorist states are seeking new-clear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions.
Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights? Government is too big ... he wants to grow it.”
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Again – talking to Obama’s qualifications to be President. Rightly calls into question his decision making, direction, and government growth. Believe it or not, there really are people out there who want to kill us because of our freedom and strength. Those on the left who think this isn’t the truth, better pray there is someone in office making sure they do not win, because your views, ideology, and thinking will make you the first to be executed for not falling in line.
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“Congress spends too much ... he promises more.
Taxes are too high ... he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific.
The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes ... raise payroll taxes ... raise investment income taxes ... raise the death tax ... raise business taxes ... and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars. My sister Heather and her husband have just built a service station that's now opened for business - like millions of others who run small businesses.
How are they going to be any better off if taxes go up? Or maybe you're trying to keep your job at a plant in Michigan or Ohio ... or create jobs with clean coal from Pennsylvania or West Virginia ... or keep a small farm in the family right here in Minnesota.
How are you going to be better off if our opponent adds a massive tax burden to the American economy? Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election.
In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers.
And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.
They're the ones whose names appear on laws and landmark reforms, not just on buttons and banners, or on self-designed presidential seals.
Among politicians, there is the idealism of high-flown speechmaking, in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things.”
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If this bothers you, you may want to reconsider who you are thinking about voting for. There is no one, not even in democrat land that can honestly think that all the goodies Obama is promising the government will be paid for without tax hikes? Is there? Let me let you in on a little secret – Each thing that you depend on the government to do for you can be taken away. Government’s responsibility should be national defense, and ensuring your opportunities to pursue life liberty and happiness are not taken away. The government is NOT responsible that you have life liberty and the pursuit of happiness – that is left up to the individual. It is this individualism that has made America the greatest country EVER on the planet.
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“And then there is the idealism of those leaders, like John McCain, who actually do great things. They're the ones who are good for more than talk ... the ones we have always been able to count on to serve and defend America. Senator McCain's record of actual achievement and reform helps explain why so many special interests, lobbyists, and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency - from the primary election of 2000 to this very day.
Our nominee doesn't run with the Washington herd.
He's a man who's there to serve his country, and not just his party.
A leader who's not looking for a fight, but is not afraid of one either. Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the current do-nothing Senate, not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee.
He said, quote, "I can't stand John McCain." Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps no accolade we hear this week is better proof that we've chosen the right man. Clearly what the Majority Leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain. That is only one more reason to take the maverick of the Senate and put him in the White House. My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of "personal discovery." This world of threats and dangers is not just a community, and it doesn't just need an organizer.
And though both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have been going on lately about how they are always, quote, "fighting for you," let us face the matter squarely.
There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you ... in places where winning means survival and defeat means death ... and that man is John McCain. In our day, politicians have readily shared much lesser tales of adversity than the nightmare world in which this man, and others equally brave, served and suffered for their country.
It's a long way from the fear and pain and squalor of a six-by-four cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.
But if Senator McCain is elected president, that is the journey he will have made.
It's the journey of an upright and honorable man - the kind of fellow whose name you will find on war memorials in small towns across this country, only he was among those who came home.
To the most powerful office on earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless ... the wisdom that comes even to the captives, by the grace of God ... the special confidence of those who have seen evil, and seen how evil is overcome. A fellow prisoner of war, a man named Tom Moe of Lancaster, Ohio, recalls looking through a pin-hole in his cell door as Lieutenant Commander John McCain was led down the hallway, by the guards, day after day.
As the story is told, "When McCain shuffled back from torturous interrogations, he would turn toward Moe's door and flash a grin and thumbs up" - as if to say, "We're going to pull through this." My fellow Americans, that is the kind of man America needs to see us through these next four years.
For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words.
For a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds.
If character is the measure in this election ... and hope the theme ... and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause. Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States.
Thank you all, and may God bless America.”
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Summarizing what helped make McCain who he is today (for better or worst).
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In the end, for those who didn’t see any specifics, weren’t looking. For those who heard her speak, and finally decided that Obama is now there guy because she was rude, or those Hillary supporters who thought they were going to vote for McCain until Sarah spoke, or those lifelong republicans who because of this speech are now going to vote for Obama – You are all either liars, or cowards, or both. Nothing she said was outlandish (especially considering the media SHE has been getting since Friday). The one thing I can say about the speech is it made the decision to vote for John McCain a LOT more palatable.

Eliminating an expensive war within the next 18 months. Increasing the minimum wage. Increasing taxes on everyone that makes $250k or more while decreasing taxes for the remainder 95% of americans. I can't blame you if you are in that 5% range. But at the end of the day, it's a small price to pay to have a stable and prosperous nation.

I don't think you understand that the public is outraged that a mother with any love in her at all would not put her teenage daughters dirty laundry out FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE. it is not that her daughter is pregnant - it is that her own mother told the world her daughter was doing the deed before marriage. the whole world. and she is dragging around her special needs child. yikes. you don't see this. her daughter must be mortified. poor thing. imagine if it was your child.
karin los

Gov. Palin appears to have good family values - so do I, as do a lot of Americans so most of us can relate to that. The problem is whether Gov. Palin is a part of a party that will help the working class that she claims to relate too. Gov. Palin gave a good speech, which showed she is comfortable speaking before others, but her speech had no substance unless you consider harsh criticism substance. All I have heard from the Republican convention so far is SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on the working class for expecting the political establishment to work on their behalf. Obviously wanting better health care, better schools for your children, higher pay for teachers, equal pay for women, fairer taxation, and fairer representation is just plain WRONG! At least in the eyes of the Republican party, so before we get all excited about Gov. Palin's speech you had better stop and think about the issues. Because this election is crucial, and as for me, I echo Barney Smith. Who said "I what someone who will put Barney Smith first, and not Smith Barney."

There is no doubt that Palin delivered her speech on point. However, I was truely disappointed with the overtone of sarcasm in her speech and the lack of substance. What about domestic issues such as the economy, health care reform, social security reform, minimum wage. McCain must address these issues if he's going to have a chance to win against Obama's detailed and very attractive plans for the future.

Is support for Israel and facing the reality of Islamic hatred for Israel and America xenophobic? No it is living in the real world.

The UN hates America and diplomacy is a crock unless from a position of strength.

Your speech about Obama's Christianity is nonsense. Check the website for his church. Pure hatred of America and everything white.

The Koran really does say kill the Jew and the Christian over and over. Many Moslems are wonderful people as you say. Obama's buddies including Farakhan are not sweet peaceful people. Bashar Al Assad of Syria is the enemy of everything you think is yours.

I love my family and my country first and it won't do any good to put my head in the sand or sing Kumbaya with Oprah and Obama.

Wrong!! It is stereotypical to call all Isalmaic follower radical. In reality, those who truely practice the Islamic religion are among the most peaceful and practical people I have ever met. They want what we want, the opportunity to provide for thier family and live in harmony with the planet. Unfortunately, most people have been brainwashed to believe the small mindedness of our presidents ideals.

Screw diplomacy -- let's just nuke the whole rest of the world and get on with it. This way, we get rid of both our enemies and our pesky allies in one fell swoop!

And Jim, I've got news for you -- Obama is more of a Christian than you'll ever be. Real Christians do not spew xenophobic hatred across the world. They follow the teachings of Christ:

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?" (Matthew 5:43-47 )

Well said. Finally, americans are able to see through the veil of hypocracy. The current administration has not followed thru on anything that they have promised. And McCain stands side by side with thier ideals. KICK THOSE BUMS TO THE CURB!!

(1) I would be much more comfortable with 100% chance of Obama being president than a 40% with Palin.

Why? The only credible foreign policy I have heard from either McCain or Palin is "shoot to kill". Our military is already stretched completely thin by Rumsfeld's "downsizing" of the military. We simply can't afford more simultaneous wars -- we're doing a bad enough job with 2 simultaneous wars. Meanwhile, our troops (God bless them) have lost count of how many deployments they have been on and are suffering from broken marriages, emotional breakdowns, etc. War is not a first resort. If you believe war is a first resort, join Blackwater.

(2) What's wrong with public school or community college? I think you've just managed to insult millions of Americans. Good job! You think only people who went to public school or community college have a right to be pissed off with the Bush administration? Think again.

I am not a paid democratic / Obama / liberal blogger. I am just an average American that is putting country first and voicing my opinion.

You have not answered my question about Palin being President -- you have only called me names, just like Palin's speech.

Before the last 8 years, I was officially apolitical. I haven't voted in the last 3-4 presidential elections.

But for the last 8 years, the Bush administration -- with all the lies ("There is no proof that humans have any impact on the environment whatsoever"), cronyism (Harriet Miers, firings at the Justice Department), incompetence ("Atta boy, Brownie"), corruption (Abramoff), downright criminal activity (Valerie Plame), the over-bloated budget, the credit crisis, the economy, and, last but certainly not least, the unjustified war in Iraq and the failing war in Afghanistan -- HAS REALLY PISSED ME OFF.

Any American that really cares about the state of their country has every right to be pissed off about the last 8 years.

Power corrupts. Absolute power absolutely corrupts. It's time to kick the bums out of office.

You are right on, because America is a land of opportunity. All my kids are doing great because I never gave them an excuse for failure, just a hand when they needed it and a dream.

I doubt if anyone is truly rich with $200,000 a year in Alaska. The cost of living there is very very high. In these Colorado ski towns that wouldn't even let you buy a house with trees and Alaska is quite a bit more expensive.

Rich?? What category does EVERY single politician fall into? YES RICH! The middle class is going nowhere! There is so much opportunity in this country to become wealthy it's incredible! I personally know of 3 college kids that are now millionaires because of hard work and ambition. They started with nothing. Where do you think they would be if they were the governments "teet"? They would still be democrats.

As for global warming...you said something profound. Manmade or naturals we need to tackle this? If it's natural (and it is) we let the cycle run it's course (like it has throughout time). There is nothing wrong with reducing polution...but to do it at the cost of industry is simply wrong!

Rick Santorum is a great man. 20-24 week old babies are fully formed. They need better lungs are to complete their development, but they feel and have emotions. Many are killed at full term. The Liberals won't even let them have anesthesea because it exposes the obvious. ABORTION HURTS A LIVING BEING

Your comment re: caring for the children who are born is just plain wrong. Christians build hospitals and adopt babies and care for unwed mothers. I do and so do almost every person I know in the pro life arena.
I have children. How can any human being even consider this abomination. God will soon judge America for allowing this practice.

Country Club? No. But there is a clear divide between the RICH and the poor. Every day that goes by, the middle class are seemingly driven into extinction.

As for the environment, the past 20 years worth of research has clearly documented that global warming is an issue. Regardless if it is a natural occurance or man maid this still does not detract from the fact that it is real and the issue must be tackled head on.

Palin offered no answers to the problems facing America today, only insults. In fact, she hardly acknowledged the fact that the U.S. faces ANY real problems (other than Obama's candidacy).

The key question of this election is not, can Sarah Palin be a good VP -- instead, is it, can Sarah Palin be the next President of the United States?

History shows that almost 1 out of 4 VPs becomes President due to natural death, assassination, resignation, or being incapacitated. Considering McCain's age and his recurring melanomas, some experts think that the 25% chance increases to something like 40%.

IS AMERICA READY FOR A 40% CHANCE THAT SARAH PALIN COULD BE PRESIDENT?

I think not. Tonight, she offered no credible proof as to why she would be qualified for the most important post in the free world. At best, Tonight, she proved more that she can double as a pit bull with lipstick.

It is really creepy a modern society as ours is willingly commiting genocide. Then the same people promoting genocide...fight tooth and nail against executing a covicted admitted child rapist/murderer??

The American Medical Association is wrong again. They care about money and money. They give up on patients the moment the insurance runs out. I will never again leave a patient in the care of a hospital without a family member present. They kill on both ends of life for MONEY.

By the way, they are wrong more than they are right, but you pay anyway.

I am going to research the McCain/Palin position of 2 of the biggest frauds in America: the AMA and the NEA.

Why do all the paid Dem. bloggers' comments consist of 3 pages of inane rambling? Cant make a point in a few sentences? I need to clean out my cat's litter box and get some sleep. It's full of the same stuff as Obama's speeches -- A BUNCH OF CRAP!!!

Pay attention, I am proud of my post. Just a little new at this and hit the button prematurly. Sorry it took you so long to notice my post when you came back from your many efforts blogging for BHO and the neo-commies.

You couldn't have crammed more wrong statements into one blog.

Partial birth abortion actually cause pain until they are mercifully dead. About 25,000 times each year. Bill and Hill have at least 375,000 real persons blood on their hands ( not even counting the Arkansas flu).

Bill made it one of his first acts to reinstate the practice.

Thank God for Sarah Palin and her living examples. Tough but courageous and consistent. God cares about the unborn. Ever see the picture of that 4 or 5 month old reaching out of the surgically opened womb and grabbing the doctors hand?

In Obama's district they even threw babies born alive into trash cans until they died until a whole bunch of people picketed Christ's Hospital in Oak Lawn. That Meneglean practice stopped when exposed to the light.

Sarah Palin is the best hope for the end of this offering of babies on the altar of modern day Molech of feminism.

Liza,
Come on! Do you really think the Repubs are what they wer 50 years ago? They are no longer a country club. In fact, if you look at history, John F Kennedy would be a republican today! Look back at what he believed and spoke about! This is a real wakeup call but I hate to tell you that the radical leftists have taken over the dems.The are able to change policies and gain power through radical environmentalism. If you investigate the FACTS about global warming you will indeed see it truely is NOT a man made event. It is such a political "hot potato" that nobody will buck it.

IWATKIN don't you think we're extremely sick of hearing about Obama's short list? His repetitive speeches? And we don't need you to agree with those religious views. Because some of us have those views and we need somebody to represent us also. And war isn't going anywhere, so as long as its around these children you speak of will still volunteer to go fight for our country. And I will always appreciate and respect them. Nobody can even agree on these small blogs, but the anti-war people believe the world will one day hold hands and get along. So Obama says..

I see she has made her critics eat their words. No one really cares about her family issues in politics. They don't go together. And when she is VP she will be even closer to her family who will have their own VP home with full staff to help out. Her speech writers were very sharp with their wording. She wasn't just taking justified jabs at Obama, she was taking jabs at all the demacats out there who want a socialist government.

She is more experienced than Obama or Hillery..... yes believe it!

BTW that was confidence my friends not smirks.....lol

The pick of Palin for VP was a brilliant idea for the GOP and don't worry demacats McCain and Palin's administration will take care of you too.

Sarah Palin reminds me a little of Davy Crockett's campaign speech. "Them that like the job I did can vote for me, them that don't can go to ???? and I'll go to Texas." Unfortunately, he went to Texas.

Had to add (in KS) because other mothers of three. Anyhow, I eat my own words. I probably misunderstood myself what was being said. I have a hard time deciphering sarcasm. Just ask my husband (who is in the doghouse for using sarcasm ;) ). Thanks for the info JimH in CO.

Anonymous (very courageous of you to hide behind such a tag, by the way) says: "Patrick Emmet says: "Hillary Clinton cares about the rights of all human beings, not just the unborn."

That is the most delusional post I have even read.(I see spelling is not your forte either.)

Hillary Clinton (and thanks to her husband)supports the ripping of partially born babies to pieces without anesthesia. Look at the facts. Partial birth abortion is murder and Hillary is its champion!"

Guess what, anonymous, Partial birth abortion is not a real procedure, at least not according to the American Medical Association. But you probably don't want to let facts get in the way of your argument. Too bad: this country and this world has suffered from such willful ignorance for too long. Did you know the incidence of abortion went up during the Bush Administration, from the Clinton years? It has to do with the level of hope that people feel, and when there is an administration with a monster like Dick Cheney and a babbling sciphre like GW at the top, people don't feel as confident about bringing children into the world.

Here are a few more of those facts you are so fond of:

frame game: How you look at things.
The "Partial-Birth" Myth
No, it's not a birth.
By William Saletan
Updated Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, at 7:11 PM ET
Listen to William Saletan discuss this topic on NPR's Day to Day.

I'm no fan of second-trimester abortions. They're horrible, and if you can avoid having one, you should. They can be particularly disturbing when they're done by extracting the fetus intact, in a manner that looks like birth. But they aren't births.

It's easy for journalists who have covered the abortion debate (and in my case, written a book about it) to gloss over this fact when we talk about the ban the Senate just passed. We know the procedure in question is an abortion that sort of looks like a birth, not a birth interrupted by an abortion. But it's far from clear that we've adequately conveyed this distinction to the public.

I watched the whole Senate debate yesterday. I lost count of how many times pro-life senators used language implying that the procedure they were banning was a birth interrupted by an abortion. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Rick Santorum, opened the debate by saying, "The term 'partial birth' comes from the fact that the baby is partially born, is in the process of being delivered. … Here is this child who is literally inches away from being born, who would otherwise be born alive." Majority Leader Bill Frist, the Senate's only doctor, concluded the debate by describing the procedure as "destroying the body of a mature unborn child."

President Bush exploits the same illusion. In his State of the Union address this year, he said the bill would "protect infants at the very hour of their birth."

That's just false. This procedure doesn't take place anywhere near the appointed hour of birth. If you paid close attention to the Senate debate, you might have noticed the part where Santorum said the procedure was performed "at least 20 weeks, and in many cases, 21, 22, 23, 24 weeks [into pregnancy], and in rarer cases, beyond that." He didn't clarify how many of these abortions took place past the 20th week. A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks. In 1992, the Supreme Court mentioned that viability could "sometimes" occur at 23 or 24 weeks. Santorum described a 1-pound fetus as "a fully formed baby," noting that while it was only at 20 weeks gestation, it had a complete set of features and extremities. But according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the survival rate for babies born weighing 500 grams or less—that's 1 pound, 1 ounce or less—is 14 percent." Not a real procedure, just a made up one by a Republican who could not care less for the same child after it is born!

Palin "fits in."
She's pretty and she's "tough."
She's Monica Crowley in Brunette.
Both of them "fit in."
Both of them are easily accepted by the "in crowd."
Palin's a Beauty Queen and a Jock.
Where does she "fit in" with the American People?
Look at the Republican Convention.
"Elitist" is an understatement. There's few African Americans, few Hispanic Americans, few Non-European Americans...
Why?
Because they don't "fit in."
The Republican Party isn't about furthering the views of the American People.
The Republican Party is about furthering the views and influence of the "Popular people," the "Socio-Cultural Elites," those that do not feel the pressure of undervalued work.
The Republican Party is about the Overpaid and Underworked.
The Republican Party isn't about the American People.
The Republican Party HATES the American People.
Look at how George W. Bush and Richard Cheney (Along with Scooter Libby and Karl Rove) perpetrated TREASON AGAINST the American People!!!

We don't need any more Traitors-in-Chief.
Especially those Traitors clothed in "Small Town U.S.A."

JM: I agree 100%, McCain is the one running for president not Palin. But given his age and medical history, the reality of the situation is that she may very well be the next president. That may sound very harsh, but it is a reality and I have to take it into consideration.

I have the upmost respect for McCain and everything that he has done for our country. But I refuse to sit through another speech that is laced with sarcasm and unsubstantiated rhetoric. I can only hope that McCain will rise above that and give us his stance on both domestic and foreign policy issues.

Phrase of the day. "In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."
Go Sarah Palin!!

Liberals love comparing McCain to Pres. Bush (whom I love) but what about comparing Obama to Jimmy Carter, the absolute WORSE president ever. They are just alike. Socialists and will meet with any maniac from any country. Carter sent this country spiraling into a horrible depression and Obama will do the same. Interest rates were 18% and are 6% now. People had to wait in line for gas and jobs were as scarce as hen's teeth. Wake up people!

In Chicago "community organizers" are the Dem party hacks who ferry the dead to the polling places. They are the ones who call you up and threaten to burn your house down if you don't take down your opposing party signs.

JM there are just as many wingnuts at the far left as there are at the far right. Neither represent the majority so I don't think the candidates or the regular people who support them should be judged by the rumors and smears that get spread by the extremists in their parties. There are always going to be people that thrive on scandal--if it's not a political candidate then it's a celebrity.It's the nasty side of human nature.

Who is really actually John in Dallas. We all know that Obama is paying you bloggers to write long lenghty babbling nonsense. You copy and paste it onto every blog site you can find. McCain supporters on the other hand are real people with real thoughts. We are not paid we just love our country and do not want to live in a socialized one. If we did we could always move to Canada or France or Russia. Hey there is a thought. Why don't you Obama koolaid drinkers move there and take him with you. Then you can all sit around with the same stuff and listen to his speeches that he reads from teleprompters.

Posted by: Repubsaredone | September 4, 2008 2:49 AM
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You are so one way. So, it's ok for these questions concerning Sarah Palin and her daughter Bristol, but not acceptable to note the similarities with Barack's mother? I am of the opinion that neither candidate should have to put up with these type of questions, but obviously, you disagree.

I have seen the future, and that is Sarah Palin!!! I was going to vote for Obama, but I see eye to eye with this awesome classy patriot. And after the response of the Obama representatives I'm ashamed I ever considered voting for him. Thank you Mrs Palin!

Sadly, he makes no secret of his devotion to the idiots at the UN. He wants a one world government and would sell us out in a moment. The only head of state will be the king of the world if the neo-commies get their way.

Sarah Palin is by far the worst choice for Republican VP. Ladies don't give in to your desires stirred up by Hillary to have a woman in office. We can't have just any woman in office we have to have the right woman. The McCain camp shrewdly used Palin as a publicity stunt because they know Obama is going to win. They really needed to change his image. Having a hot young chick (as opposed to McCain's age) like Palin parroting his slogans and promoting him will help shrug off his image as an "old dude" who's out of touch, as said by Paris Hilton on her mock run for President. I bet at least one person on his strategy team saw Paris delivering her message and saw how powerful "hotness" could be if paired with a strong well delivered political message. I bet someone's wheels started turning in their heads. The more McCain has his picture taken next to her, and she gives him plugs in her speeches, his image of being boring, old, out of touch will fade. She looks good and wears her clothes well. She can speak well in public, but remember that is just a skill it doesn't mean you will be a good leader. This move helps to break him free from the image that he's also just a rerun of the Bush administration. Having this young reforming fire craker next to him will show people he can be different. See how much attention he's gotten already, people were drawn to the tv tonight. Look at all the free publicity she has generated. Look at all the comments on this website. Beware the Republican machine is desperate. Palin is inadequate to be President, just try and picture her on the world stage. The world is a very dangerous place right now, we can't have an inexperienced colt running the country if McCain's cancer finally kills him. He's had four occurences all ready. We need someone very level and intelligent in office because in the next decade the world will be facing a great depression due to the impending energy crisis. When peak oil starts to hit and the environmental crisis converges we will need all the intelligence and innovation in the White House we can muster just to get by. Don't give in and vote for fanatics who try to deliver snappy results by innapropriate means for our complex energy woes.

iwatkin? How much is Obama paying you? You copy and paste the same (so long I couldn't read it) posting on every site you can find. We are all on to you guys. It will not help a man with no brains or direction get into the white house. But enjoy the money you are earning now. It will stop in Nov.! Go McCain

Get over yourself. Have you not read the news and blogs in the past couple of days?
.............................................
No I stand by my opinion. Bloggers were writing rumors that her child was really her grandson. Sarah could have just said, no it is not, but she even said herself she decided to tell her business because of that rumor..who cares ? Rumors are made everyday, she needs to get used to it. You subject yourself to this when u decide to be in the public eye and I find it to be horrible thing she did ! As well as announcing how proud she is to become a grandparent. Give me a break !

All the talk how McCain did NOT "Vet" her properly is because the media was not allowed in on the process. Obama still has not been "vetted" by the media. People...read his book! He talks about using cocaine 20 years ago yet the media is concerned with the VP's husband that got a DWI 22 years ago? His associations with radical leftists, domestic terrorists and radical islamists. This is unbeleiveable how he gets a pass from the media...quite scary people! Manchuian candidate??

JimH - I like you! Yeah I can only imagine his conversations with heads of states. Without his teleprompter he will stutter and bore them to tears. For proof just watch the questions from the church pastor a few weeks ago. He was horrible and McCain was quick and to the point. To think people worry about McCain's age? Obama is the one that sounds brain dead but then again he did use cocaine!

Sarah Palin speech contained nothing more than mean and spiteful jibes and digs at the Dems. Once again, we were treat to the 50th or so run-down of McCain's Vietnam-era story... a story that took place 40 years ago as I recall. These people have not indicated once in two days what it is they intend to do to get this country out of the toilet. They have nothing but love and admiration for McCain, and haven't ceased pouring on the compliments. I just see an ailing old man that has changed his position so severely, I wonder if he's been replaced by the Manchurian Candidate.

They trotted out the Reagan mash-up, because they know how it makes the Republican deligates dewey-eyed for the oh-so wonderful 'Reagan Years'.

They wowed us all with Palin - the Woman Of The Year (or so they'd have you believe) - the surprise (shock, horror?) nominee for Veep. Frankly, she scares the heck out of me. An "American Feminist" in all but deed -- she is the poster child for setting women's rights back several decades. She holds religious views that I for one do not share, and I'm deeply surprised that her daughter's Abstinence Pledge didn't quite explain what unprotected sex can do to a woman; not quite as effective as the more useful knowledge that sex education provides. But that's just wrong isn't it?

She's also very proud of that gas pipeline they're finishing up there in Alaska. It's such a shame that it's entirely contracted out to a Canadian company... perhaps those aren't the jobs she referred to as 'not being sent overseas', but then Canada isn't over any sea so she was right on the money (technically).

And that bridge to nowhere that she said 'no thanks' to. I would actually like to know what did happen to the budget for that. You know, the budget that she got to keep regardless of the bridge being completed or not.

I'm also glad that she's a proponent of 'Earmark' reform. She might then stop being so Pork-worthy herself. Hypocritical? You betcha.

But most of all, I'm so glad she mentioned the Governor's Jet. I really enjoyed reading and hearing about that at least 5-15 times per day since the weekend. That makes me smile every time. I wonder if she has similar plans for Airforce Two. After all, she can always drive herself to foreign meetings. I actually wonder if she has a fear of flying, as she only made that one trip to Eye-raq. She's never actually made it to any other 'overseas' destination, not even as mayor of a podunk little town in Alaska -- population 7,000. That's less citizens than most colleges cater to by the way. Perhaps McCain could have picked a seasoned College Administrator for his co-ticket... or a Pre-School Teacher.

Oh well, at least I now know everything there is to know about Palin, Palin's kids, Palin's parents, Palin's sister/brother-in-law (they're in the petroleum biz too y'know), and of course Palin's hubby too. I'm almost tempted to vote for them -- after all, it would be tremendous fun watching them stretch their rhetoric over 4 full years... not to speak of the many wars they could send their brave little soldiers to (yes, wars are necessary according to the Repubs). They must be so proud sending our kids to a useless conflict (that serves nobody in this country) so they can have their legs blown off, or worse.

I could get into Palin's many other freaky, scary beliefs but I'll rest for now.

I am disturbed to hear all these stories of my fellow Hillary Clinton supporters who are going to vote for McCain because of Palin. Palin has nothing in common with Hillary, except the fact that she is a woman! She is extreme right-wing, wants to make abortion a crime even in cases of rape, incest or medical necessity, wants to not only ban gay marriage but deny gays all rights, supports teaching creationism in school, and wants to deregulate guns. I don't see how any moderate could be OK with such views being held by a person who is quite likely to become President. Please, please do not vote for Palin just because she is female! We are better than this kind of sexism!

I really like this woman. I wasn't sure about all of this until her speech tonight. She is witty, intelligent and tough! She is just what we need in Washington. I hope the first thing she does is to kick Nancy Pelosi's butt!

Posted by: Repubsaredone | September 4, 2008 2:32 AM
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Get over yourself. Have you not read the news and blogs in the past couple of days? They are all about how Sarah Palin's 17 year old daughter is pregnant. It was also disgusting the way Sarah was attacked for having a baby (Trig) that has special needs. If these are pertinent issues, I'm still a Democrat! So... practice what you Obama supporters preach!

"Obama and his supporters spent the last year and a half VICIOUSLY ATTACKING Senator Clinton." Oh honestly, will you people get over it already. They attacked each other equally. You make it sound like he swiftboated her or something. They were both quality candidates but there can only be one winner. Women who vote just out of protest that their candidate didn't win do a disservice to women by making them look foolish and shallow in their reasoning. I mean seriously, if you supported Hillary then surely it must have had something to do with her position on important issues such as healthcare, the war etc. yes? If she had won, her opponent would have been John McCain. To vote for him is biting off your nose to spite your face, not to mention a disservice to Hillary. Finally you don't know what went into the VP decision. Hillary might have agreed behind the scenes that she should not be Obama's VP. Any if you can't bring yourselves to vote for Obama, then write in another name, but don't give your vote to McCain!

I find it hard to believe a real Hillary supporter would write on here how they are now voting for Sarah because they have more in common than Obama and that it would be great to have a woman in the White House. If you have alot in common with Sarah then you NEVER had ANYTHING in common with Hillary or her values.

There is an ancient Chinese curse that says "may you live in interesting times." These are certainly interesting times. The Republicans only took 24 years to do what the Democrats did back in 84, namely, nominate a woman as VP. Geraldine Ferraro was a competent legislator who would have made a good VP. Sarah Palin may have the ability to conduct herself well in a campaign. But there is a great deal more at stake here than whether or not some one person has the right values or not. The Republican party is in the hands of neo-conservatives looking for worldwide hegemony, along with social conservatives who want to control not only a woman's right to decide whether to bring a child in to the world, but who also do not care too much about the poor children who are already here, if we can take the actions of the Bush administration for evidence. Or we could take Ms. Palin's own slashing of funds for pregnant teenage mothers in the Alaska budget as evidence that despite the claims, a McCain/Palin ticket will be more of the same slash and burn neo-con/right wing fundamentalist tactics that this nation has endured for the last eight years. Those of you who think voting for Palin is somehow the same as voting for Clinton are especially delusional. Hillary Clinton cares about the rights of all human beings, not just the unborn.

You must have missed seeing the delegates from Puerto Rico, N. Mariana Islands, Arizona, Gaum, etc., along with some of the African American VFW gentlemen I saw. I almost did until the very end when the votes were being cast. It is not a surprise that more minorities were not represented when traditionally the Democratic Party is where the minority votes usually reside. Frankly speaking, if more minority faces ere shown it would be considered "just for show". Anyhow, I appreciate your observation.

Didn't know much about Palin before this speech. But Wow! Sound ideas and integrity. A perfect compliment to McCain. Sooooooooo tired of the Obama fluff. Get real America. Vote for a man who was willing to give his LIFE for his beliefs. So much more profound than fluff.

The Obama bloggers are here if full force. The good thing is they only get one vote at the polls. Do not be fooled by them. Palin has the Dems scared to death and so they should be. She is just what we needed. Most of the die hard Christian Consevatives that did not like McCain are now back on the team. This bus is going to run over any one standing in our way!

Liza, Sarah Palin had to come out and defend herself against all of the nonsense that was put out there by the MSM and the different Democratic leaning blogs. If they had not attacked her, she would have been better able to explain the Republican ticket's objectives. Additionally, John McCain is the presidential candidate, not Sarah Palin. He should be explaining the Republican's views, for the most part. Now that she has be introduced to America, she will start to promote the Republican agenda.

OMG, I can't believe you people! I think Sarah Palin is the "breath of fresh air" we have needed in the White House for so long. Her speech was fantastic and made me proud to be an American, a Republican and a Woman. And John Mccain is a hero in the truest sense of the word and a man that deserves (and has earned) our trust and respect and especially, our gratitude for serving his country so bravely. He truly loves our Country and wants to make a difference......and HE WILL! I'm sorry, but I think the reason most of you wrote such nasty things about McCain and Palin, is because you are so ticked off at NObama for not choosing Hillary as a running mate. You're just mad that John McCain chose not only a woman, but a woman who will "shake up" Washington and really make a difference. So Dems............quit your whining and stop bashing these two incredible people and "DEAL WITH IT"..... Nobama blew it!!!!! But don't be too hard on him.......... he's still VERY inexperienced and has NO idea how to run a country, let alone a campaign!

It is impossible to have fair and balanced blog on the issues with all of the paid Obama bloggers. It is like this on every site. They make long wordy postings and usually make you believe they were undecided until a certain "thing" happened. This is sway you. Do not be fooled by them. Obama has NO substance at all. He has not once shown this great change he speaks of. Also, No one has been able to tell us what his accomplishments are other than writing some memoirs. Or how he has any experience to lead us. He has changed him mind umpteen times and makes a fool of himself without a teleprompter. The "over my payscale" takes the cake. What kind of dumb answer is that?

I think that all of you Hillary supporters that are "jumping ship" and voting for McCain/Palin simply because Palin has a vagina are pathetic! Was that the only reason you were supporting Hillary? Do you not realize that what Palin stands for is the complete OPPOSITE of Hillary?!

What does Obama's mother being 18 and pregnant have to do with this campaign ? Keep it on the candidates. If you want to go with skeletons talk about the timebomb womanizing McCain who left his disable wife for a rich woman.

i couldn't believe the speech this trashy people made tonight at their convention. they really gave a true meaning of redneck white trash. nothing in this world can change my mind to vote for obama and biden.
guiliani made a fool of himself tonite as if he was a true conservative with morals. as i recall he is no jesus christ who cheated on his wife and the only experience that this governor of alaska made is to keep having babies that is no doubt. john mccain is no maverick for he is too an adulterer and cindy mccain looking foolishly like she was never a mistress. so i don't know what kind of values this republican is saying but they surely are not morals. so freaking hypocrites

I don't support a candidate based on his or her gender, and I certainly do not support a candidate based on the color of his or her skin. These types of accusations make me wonder about the person who would accuse someone of such. Get your head out of Sarah Palin's vagina, and stick it back in your arse where it belongs, anonymous.

Joyce (TX): Get real. You say you stay home to teach your daughter that teenaged pregnancy will make life difficult. Do you really believe that Governor Palin was not trying to teach her daughter the same thing? I highly doubt she was teaching her duaghter to go have sex, unfortunately, teens will be teens and sometimes that means that they will have sex. Your daughter can just as easily go out and do the same.

ReginaK56: Funny how your description of a narcissist fits Obama better than any of the other candidates. Its also funny that you claim, "Alaska is full of opportunists--losers who couldn't make it in the lower 48 because they're too addled brained or lazy. They go there because of all the resources and the way the government gives handouts to all the citizens." It's the likes of Obama and his socialist views that look to give the handouts to everyone.

I think that all of you Hillary supporters that are "jumping ship" and voting for McCain/Palin simply because Palin has a vagina are pathetic! Was that the only reason you were supporting Hillary? Do you not realize that what Palin stands for is the complete OPPOSITE of Hillary?!

Socialists and Obama lovers beware,
You have all fallen in the Palin snare,
Soon you will have no where to turn,
Because Mcain/Palin are everywhere,
So run to MSNBC with your rumors and lies,
In the end even Olberman can't help you guys!
The truth will prevail in the end,
Democrats are frauds again!!!

Msmeno said: "Where is her concern for not only the small town people, but for the inner city folks? She obviously either doesn't know or doesn't care about them - which is why it is so easy for her to mock community organizing. THAT IS ALSO WHERE THE COMMON PEOPLE RESIDE AND MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD!!"

The inner city is where all of the Welfare teat suckers reside. The ones who vote for rich liberals (yes, they're rich - do your homework) who decry the fate of the poor while dining on caviar. They offer salvation in the form of more free money. Free money for people who don't want jobs - and families who haven't had jobs for generations. Free money for every baby squeezed out, regardless of who the baby daddy is...or where he is (most likely making more babies with the girl in the next crack house over). Free money for drug addicts who "find Jesus" for a couple of months, get free job training, free clothing, free food, and then sell their new clothes for some rock. Free money for everyone! Money given by the liberal politicians (who have tax shelters and loopholes for their money, of course) and taken from the pockets of hard-working citizens.

Have my years of working in a drug rehab clinic made me cynical? You bet. Sorry, Msmeno, go ahead and vote for the liberals, but I'll just vote for someone who cares about people who contribute to society and not just leach the life blood from it. But for you, another baby and another baby daddy are probably your best chance at success without effort. Go line up for your free money and free cheese - it's okay, I still have a job and pay taxes to support you and the brood.

Today I turned 31 years old and I've been a registered independent since 1995. I pride myself on maintaining an open minded view and carefully consider all angles of the debates. Frankly, I am very disappointed with Palin's speech. There is no doubt, her delivery of the speech was on point. But I was expecting to hear more information on her stance for the economy, social security, & most of all health care. Clearly her speech was targeting the Republican base, as it should. However, I'm baffled by her unwillingness to talk about domestic issues.

As I watched the conclusion, I could not help but to feel completely turned off by the sarcastic undertones of the speech. This was a great opportunity, while the world watched history being made, to lay out a clear plan for the future. They blew it big time!! Clearly McCain's campaign manager Rick Davis' feels that 'This Election is Not About Issues'. Well I have to respectfully disagree. We will not get very far as a nation by continuing to avoid the issues!! Americans are willing and ready to tackle them head on.

For the Record: This is not a popularity contest people, we need to vote based on issues and we need to hear real solutions for America not unsubstantiated rhetoric.

As a VP candidate she did what she was to suppose to do that was being a Pitbull deliver a red meat speech just what Biden did for the democrats. But I do feel disappointed as a the first women to reach so high in a Republican ticket, I was expecting her speech to be inspirational not the typical male republican speech.

It impress me of being very negative, I found her attacks on the press unnecessary and petty, I don't expect politicians to like the press, nor do I expect the press to like them, is the press job to investigate, informs us of there findings, and we decide upon the information they find and what the politicians says. All EXPERIENCED politician knows that and especially her running mate McCain. If she is this sensitive because of press report of her pregnant teenaged daughter well if you are a prolifer then it matters to you that the life a women carries is preserved right?, if you agree then a pregnant womb is not longer a private issue it is public one, which then gives us the right to determine if the life should continue or not. So why the uproar over the media reporting of this, especially if you are a prolifer.

I'm disgusted with all of this back and forth name calling... distilling the election contest into a match of "pointing fingers" and "name calling". The fabric of american society is unraveling. The middle and working classes work harder and make less money compared to a few years ago. Prices go up/wages go down. Debt increases. Way too many people are without health care. Civil liberties are being eroded. But a lot of you only care about voting for a woman because she is forceful and a woman, because she's "pretty" (what ARE you thinking with? Certainly not your brain!).

Issues and cogent discussion about what's really going on!

Wake up all of you!

Anyone who drinks their political party's KoolAid (be it Democrat or Republican) is, frankly, ignorant, lazy or stupid. Let's talk about issues and the real needs of this country... a country which, by the way, is a diverse nation made up of many religions and those who have no religion at all. The eventual president must represent ALL of the people.

A fresh face with great ideas on our energy crisis. Just what we need instead of the same old politicians. Her speech has substance instead of just empty words. She believes in working for what you want not sitting home waiting for a govenment check. She believes in not murdering an innocent child because you forgot to use a condom. She has my vote!

Holy cow, people! I have seen some very intelligent insight here, but I have also heard some contradictory statements. I prefer a person who does their own "dirty work" as opposed to someone who lets their constituents do it for them; in other words, someone who says what they think and takes the backlash as opposed to a double-talker. The political arena is a tough place. Hillary can become very shrill when fighting for what she believes. Yet some of her supporters are put off by Palin's aggressive remarks. Make up your minds people. No person will be perfect for the job of President or VP. We just have to decide what is best for ourselves and this country. Good luck with that.

Parents of children with special needs in Alaska did not friend in Palin.

Last year, Palin cut the budget for special education by 62%!

"The Washington Post revealed Tuesday that Alaska Governor and McCain vice presidential pick Sarah Palin, whose 17-year-old daughter Bristol is pregnant outside wedlock, earlier this year used a line-item veto to cut $1.1 million (22%) in funding which would have at least partially benefited teen moms in need."

Ironic since making these drastic cuts, Palin now has a child with special needs, and an unmarried teenage pregnant daughter.

Having watched the treatment of Hillary,it has been refreshing to watch Palin.

All before Palin was picked, with a president with the lowest presidential rating in history, the country at war, economy limping, and with a free pass from the mainstream media, O'Bama was neck and
neck with McCain.

I think that all of you Hillary supporters that are "jumping ship" and voting for McCain/Palin simply because Palin has a vagina are pathetic! Was that the only reason you were supporting Hillary? Do you not realize that what Palin stands for is the complete OPPOSITE of Hillary?!

As an Australian, I think your readers now many outside America are watching in absolute disbelief the way your country, after the disaster of the Bush years, is being swayed by such a cynical, manipulative move by the Republicans.

Electing Obama and Biden represent your best chance to remind the world of the great things about America - its liberalism, its cosmopolitanism and its progressivism. But here you go again flirting with crazy religious ideologues, gun nuts and culture warriors motivated by hatred and dragging other people down.

I find it hard to believe a real Hillary supporter would write on here how they are now voting for Sarah because they have more in common than Obama and that it would be great to have a woman in the White House. If you have alot in common with Sarah then you NEVER had ANYTHING in common with Hillary or her values.

As an educated woman and registered Republican here in California, I watched Palin's speech with an open mind. But, frankly, I was not impressed. Palin does not even come close to having the kind of experience and attributes I want to see in a candidate of any gender. I think she's an embarrassment if that's the best the Republican Party can do. I cannot see her as being fit to assume the role of Vice President of the United States nor would I want her to serve as President should McCain be unable to serve. Sorry, but the Republican Party just lost my vote. I want someone in office who can serve based on REAL experience and REAL education, not just a pretty face who thinks she has what it takes.

Let me tell you, Sarah, I served the U.S. Government for a number of years and served in two diplomatic positions abroad. I could EASILY blow your experience out of the water and still do my nails. So, chew on that.

I'm very disappointed in what is happening with politics in this country. My vote is for Obama/Biden for this election.

1) Husband DUI
2) messy divorce within family
3) pregnant 17 year old daughter
4) 5 children with all encompassing work duties
5) 17 year old pregnant daughter dragged through national media
6) 43 year old mom having 5th child

It's over for the Democrats, they can kiss the election of 2008 goodbye, Palin knocked the ball out of the ballpark with her speech. Maybe the Dems can try again in 2012 or 2016 or 2020 or ??????????????????????????????????

Wow... so some guy on here, DP, calls Minority Repubs sellouts. So, in order to be acceptable to minority groups, you have to think and vote lockstep with them? Hey, isn't that kind of what Hitler required of his citizens?

Liberal Dems are the most hypocrtical group in America. You either agree with them on everything or YOU are the loser, sellout.

Hey DP, it's people like you that push people to center right and why you can't win elections.

Here's my problem with Obama:
lack of experience (minor)
doesn't take his duty to serve country seriously, many no votes in senate (major)
no idea about how to fix the economy and shore up the dollar. (major)
his camp and supporters are vicious and unfair when they attacked Hillary (major, because that tells me he's not what he's selling for, change and hope).
I was going to vote McCain as protest vote. But now really believe is the right choice. McCain has demontrated bipartisanship and do what's best for the country not necessarily for the party. Palin has the guts to fight his own party on corruption demonstrate real integrity. McCain is a real hero. Palin has a family that like many of us and will understand what's best for the normal folks. A republican president with democratic congress has more check and balance than one party control. Media and Obama people can spin and attack, but won't change any facts, and won't change what's the most important presidential quality we look for in our presidents.

What qualifies as offensive? Insufferable, impotent rage. Rantings of the delusional? Maybe people that use all Upper Case when they type...what they have the Washington Post staff woring overtime on the blogs? Trolling...maybe ;)

Presentation wise a B-. She didn't stumble on difficult words or names she was not used to pronouncing. I did detect a different accent on a few words that almost sounded Southern. Her delivery of the anti-Ombama sort could have been better. They tended to be the wink and nod type, not of the intellectual analysis style that would have given her more credibility. Her style did not assure me she would be able to defend her views in a debate against an accomplished tactician such as Biden. I almost felt like going out and buying a "get well" card in advance of the Oct. Vice Presidential debate.
I felt like I was personally slapped in the face with her comment about "Community Organizers". I graduated from a Calif. Univ. with a B.S. focusing on Community Development many years ago. At the time there was a great call for such expertise to address the terrific needs of our troubled nation's communities. To dedicate one's self for the betterment of all people is not a trivial thing. I applaud Barack Obama for his work in this area, I know what is involved. I forgive her for not knowing, I guess Alaska doesn't have community development people, pity.

As a "person of color", I was pleased to see a female in the national spotlight that was not of the "Blond Arian Sisterhood" variety. I found this quiet refreshing! As for the attendees in the convention center, as the camera panned across the faces I had to adjust my brightness on my computer because of the lack of minority faces. Where were all of the Latino and Black representatives? The Republican Party apparently has done little to bring these communities into the fold. I feel this is a big mistake on their part.

I will not comment on Rudy G.'s presentation because of the foul language restriction on this site...

Her written speech failed to include a few minor items such as Immigration, Housing Issue, Out sourcing of U.S. jobs to overseas destinations. These are the items at the top my list of concerns followed by what are they doing to help the Polar Bears?

As a non-American, it appears to me that all those who were convinced by Sarah Palin's speech and resolve to vote for the McCain Palin duo on the basis of the speech fall into the category of a typical "redneck". This election is America's chance to show they are thinkers and fair people-not fascists who will kill themselves and others for self-interest. What the world thinks of you is important, whether you like to admit it or not. Why don't you elect someone who will work with the world rather than dictate to it. Why don't you elect someone who represents the best version of yourself-this will benefit you in the end. For McCain and Palin, war seems to be glorious solution to a dangerous world. The rest of the world does not want to hurt you- we want to do business with you, learn from you, and like you but you make it difficult when you elect people who think diplomacy is only about talking and gun-wielding is brave and tough.

OMG Michelle more eliquent than Sarah? NO way! With her mule teeth and racist views. She even said if Hillary won the Primary should would have to "think about it before supporting her". She is a typical angry black female who feels she has been slighted by whitie. Also, her Ivy League Schooling? She has admitted her grades were not good enough but since she was black they had to reach their Quota. You Obama bloggers sure can lie!

A pretty face reading an angry speech...that is all I saw or what I could bear to see without turning the channel because I didn't want to vomit all over myself. Is this the patriotism America wants to represent to the rest of the world? Where a man picks a woman only because he is desperate to win for himself not for the good of this entire country? He attacked Obama for lack of experience and put someone profoundly experienced to run with him. Hasn't the last eight years been painful enough to suffer through? Do we really want to suffer for another four?
Sorry not all of us are born into privilege...some of us work hard for our families just to make it through another week. Healthcare, education, higher incomes, national security, positive foreign relations...can you see Mccain and Palin being the answer to improving these issues...I bet they can do just as good as a job as Bush has done in his two terms...WAIT A MINUTE!! he has NOT done a good job not even an average one!

It will take more than two X chromosomes to make one a competent leader. Don't be fooled with Mccain's sincerity in choosing a woman because he got desperate seeing that Obama was ahead in the polls. Do you really think he cares for the equality of women and men? Do you think Palin will either? Do you really believe her daughter made that choice of her own accord?

Please do not confuse being cocky with being confident. She is barely adjusting to being in the public spotlight and already trouble and controversy seems to be following her. I am proud to be American and I would hate to see this country fall apart even further because of some people's lack of judgment and values.
!If you support hypocrisy and false patriotism in 2008...please vote Mccain/Palin...if you want to help salvage what is left of this country, please vote Obama/Biden.

I guess Obama's mother, who had him when she was an unmarried 18 year old, is a great example, too? And yes, Obama's father was married to someone else when Obama's mother decided to mess around with him. That's a wonderful example for everyone, isn't it?

Sarah Palin gave a good speech. Still, I didn't like her. Given that she really is quite inexperienced, she might have been a little more humble. Instead, she seemed overly full of herself (as well as unnecessarily sarcastic). She reminded me of a cross between a beauty queen (that would stab you in the back) and Rush. That's not a compliment.

Obama would be great at speech writing but he has no substance. He is for a socialist country. Michelle has also stated that those with bigger pies should give some to those with lesser pies. I am not working my butt off to give half or more to someone who doesn't want to work or has more kids then they can care for. Obama and his koolaid drinking followers should move to Africa and start a new socialist country there.

For those of you that are asking where is the content and what about our energy crisis - I hoped you taped the speech so you can watch it again. She said more in 20-30 minutes than I have heard Obama say in several months! The media attacked her and her family before she even set foot on stage so of course she was on the defensive. Both sides are going to be jabbing back and forth until November pointing out the weaknesses of each others plans and personality traits just like Clinton and Obama did to each other. By the way, Obama does not write his own speeches either! If you are worried about a candidate being devisive why was Liebermann (former democratic candidate) explaining that Obama does not reach over to the Republicans - the short time he was in Congress. This is coming from an impartial co-worker. It is another example of Obama saying something, but not doing it! How can he have been in Congress over 2 years and never authored a bill? Another thing, most people are comparing Palin with Obama - Palin is running for VP and has had 30 minutes of airtime thus far, Obama has had months of time to put his plan together and deliver it to us. Palin has done a great job of responding to the media, delivering a very good speech, talking about some (not all) important topics, and laying out their plan that Obama and Biden better be on their toes the next few months or they are going to get hosed in the debates. If you are an Obama supporter, I am sure you tought there was some sarcasm and some sharp jabs, you should watch it again - there is more to it then first meets the eyes - lots of references made and responded to others - I can't wait to hear more........

Why would anyone vote for a woman to keep the country in line when she clearly can't keep her own daughter in line. I am a strong, independent woman and I would never allow McCain's strategically planned choice of picking a woman change my vote. OBAMA supporter 100 %

How dare she criticize Michelle. Have we forgotten that Michelle is an IVY LEAGUE graduate and an attorney. And a lot more eloquent.

A decaying infrastructure, declining middle class, 9 trillion dollar debt, even the mexican peso is appreciating against the dollar. And all republicans and this angry white female do is attack Obama? And McSame thinks that because he was a POW 40 years ago he deserves to be president? I hope this country has learned what republicans stand for over the last 8 years: Borrow and spend, an intrusive government, a facist supreme court (if you don't understand the term, look it up), and a corrupt congress (yes, the republicans where in power for 12 years before the democrats regained the majority in the house).

Oh my Obama would not pick me for his VP because of his jealous wife. Now, Sarah Palin an unknown is up for the VP? After all my hard years of sucking up? He picks Biden who has already said Obama was experienced enough and McCain was? Whatever should I do? Vote McCain/Palin of course so I can run against them in 4 years!

The females attacking Palin on this blog are a hoot. I guess the only acceptable female is a progessive, liberal female? Sarah Palin was a vision of strength tonight. A female that can take on the guys and win. One would think that would also be something to be proud of, even if she has a different political philosophy. What I like about the choice of Sarah Palin is that the Republicans have faith in nominating a strong female, while the Democrats talk the talk, and hardly ever walk the walk. Females are a strong voting block in the Democratic party, but they are usually given the shaft by the boy's club. Sarah may not be a Democrat, but I am proud and happy for her. I believe that once she is the VP, she will show that women can function just a well as men in the upper echelons of power within the US government in an effective manner. In contrast, Nancy Pelosi will continue her ineffective leadership as Speaker of the House. As a Democrat, Nancy Pelosi has been one BIG disappointment to me, and her leadership surely reflects the dismal approval rating that our Congress currently has. George Bush has a better approval rating! Explain that one!

I lost respect for her when she put her own child in front of the public fire about a private matter. I feel she used her daughter keeping her pregnancy to show how anti-abortion she is to attract more anti-abortion voters. She admitted she was PROUD to become a grandparent of a teen high school unwed mother. You can't tell me this woman didn't know what people would say especially when she is for abstinence and vetoed public funding for pregnant teens. Also for this woman to mock community organizing that help others is disgusting. What a nitwit. She trashes Hillary then turns around and tries to get her voters. She doesn't deserve to allow the words Hillary Clinton and the glass ceiling to come out of her mouth.

Do the Republicans think that women are that stupid? Their pandering to the female vote is so obvious. Yet they they pick Sarah Palin, this 12th century, born-again "Queen of the Trailer Park" and expect us to get onboard with how forward thinking they are? Spare me. As a woman who believes in true family values, what does it say when a working woman has a pregnant 17-year old daughter? Perhaps Mrs. Pailn was too busy with her political career in Alaska to notice what her daughter was doing. Apparently she was fornicating quite a bit with self-professed "redneck" and auditioning as the future poster-child for why abstinence education does NOT work, an ding so right under her mother's nose. So much for Mrs. Palin's conservative stance on the family. God forbid that one of Barrack Obama's daughter's would have wound up pregnant; the neo-cons would have been all over this with comparisons to Welfare Queens. Their hypocrisy is legion in this instance; as a woman I am APPALLED by Mr. McCain's choice for a running mate. She does not appeal to me as a woman or as an individual from the working class, as she is an anti-woman candidate who is out of touch with what the "every woman" deals with on a daily basis. Her speech spelled out her platform indeed, and one that, as a woman I am repulsed by. Right here, Mr. McCain's decision to choose Mrs. Palin is an insult to American women everywhere, and exemplifies his faultiness not only as a candidate, but as a potential commander in chief. God forbid this woman could be the future leader of the Free World, much less John McCain.

I am an Independent conservative. I didn't like McCain all that much. I just can't bear electing a person who even lies about his religion. I love America and will never vote for a person who hangs with people who hate America. I wanted a dozen others, but McCain will at least defend America and recognize that Iran really does have the destruction of Israel and then America at heart.

There are only 2 kingdoms in this world and only 1 God. Hint: He is not the god of Islam and the Koran says kill you and me. Look it up!

donnab. just to tell you no im am not being paid to support obama in any way you are just ignorant. its called free speech and just as you prefer mccain-palin i prefer obama-biden, so stop assuming we are being paid because we are not you guys probably are because only single-minded people would vote for palin after watching her so called speech. she said nothing about what her stance was on issuse and attacking obama on so may levels was just unprofessional of her but of course she isnt a professional so thats all we could expect of her.

I'm female, from California, actually working in showbusiness. I was leaning for Obama but really, there's no there, there. He's nice, he's good looking, but he stands for nothing. I'm not ready for this country to go socialist.. so McCain/Palin it is. If only, sadly, we Dems could have put up an experienced candidate. So so so sad the party pushed a neophyte on us.

The most entertaining convention I have seen in a long time. I cheered and laughed and cheered and laughed. It was awesome. I love Guilianni saying, "If I was Biden I would get that VP in writing". LOLOLOLOL I agree!

Silly republicans, gimmick picks are for kids. Was it Rove that drove McSame to pick Palin? I hope the democrats tear her to shreds...the gloves are off. Oh, and an unmarried 17 yr old? Great example for the nation...

Based on my reading of these comments, it looks like the liberals are running scared - from Sarah Palin, a hockey mom! I find it humorous. And I have never seen such a desperate attack campaign against a candidate. (I hope they don't find out that she colors her hair!)

McCain just lost me!!!! I don't know anyone like Sarah Palin and I don't want to know anyone like Sarah Palin. She does not speak for me!! The Republicans trot out this empty red, white and blue fake patriotism every time they're running for election. As soon as they're elected, however, real Americans are the last item on the agenda. They have waged war against us and they think they can pull the wool over our eyes again. I am a social conservative, but you aren't going to get me with this empty rhetoric again! The way she has paraded her pregnant daughter around, I'm not really sure Sarah shares my conservative values. While I don't agree with every position Obama takes, I am inspired by his love for this country. The Republicans only seem to be offering bitterness and derision.

WOW Obama must be paying big bucks for his bloggers tonight. They are out in full force. It will not change the fact that Palin was awesome and she has stirred up the Republican party in a way that has caused the Dems to mess in their pants.

JimH in Colorado proves just how ignorant and closed minded most Republicans can be. We Dems actually do read. And we usually read and listen to more than just Fox News Channel and fox owned newspapers. Didn't anyone notice that all the GOP has to offer are the same tired old ideas and attacks on Dems as too liberal?...We need change and we need it now. Palin is a puppet of the right and McCain is a panderer of the highest order... OBAMA '08

The seinfeld convention-about nothing. The republicans keep digging themselves into a hole. This is not 1955, mayberry was just an illusion and, the world is flat. Give me a break. In the end, the republicans are about the past-white conservatives that wish women did not have voting or reproductive rights, and that minorities kept to the back of the bus.

It scares me that anyone would be so narrow-minded and ignorant as to vote for a women, just because she's a women, especially without vetting her; simply changing one's mind because of a speech proves that said person is voting on a whim, not on facts.

Sarah Palin had 2 "mistake children", probably because she is "anti-birth control". Seeing as how an overpopulated world is one of our biggest current problems, someone with complete disregard to this topic would not be a smart choice for VP (or, to be honest, any office).

America should be past it's close-minded conservative fest and realize that it's time to move on. Although we should see by now that any kind of balance between Democrats and Republicans is impossible, and that the power of each party will continue to shift every few years, it would be nice to TRY to take a step forward this year, instead of repeating the last 48 years of failure.

Sarah Palin's speech was the most mean-spirited, shallow, inaccurate, sarcastic speech I have ever heard. I expected a much better speech from John McCain's army of speech writers - a much better "script". Sarah, please don't mock the highly intellegent Senator Obama( he finished almost at the very top of his class, John McCain finished almost at the very bottom). We thought you were going to "introduce" yourself to us, but all we still know about you is that you are a one-woman soap opera! The only place your speech played well was at the GOP convention and Alaska.

Please do not be fooled with all the propaganda. Palin was strategically chosen to get McCain in the winning seat. Politicians are like actors...they are told what to say, how to say it and when to say it. Neither Palin nor McCain have said anything during this entire campaign that sounds genuine. It is the same BS...propaganda. I agree that Obama doesn't have all the "required" checkmarks on his resume but I would rather take a chance on someone that has demonstrated the ability, capacity and wisdom to do the job over someone that sounds fake and getting too old to carry this responsibility through term..

AS GOVERNOR PALIN INDICATED..."NEWS FLASH"...
HAS ANY OF YOU THAT ARE SO QUICK TO LASH OUT CRITICISM RECOGNIZED THAT YOUR LASHING IN CRITICISM WAS IN SUBJECT TO YOUR ASSUMPTION OF HERS?? REMOVE THE SPECK AND RETURN TO THE REALITY OF TRUTH AND CONVICTION THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY EQUATE TO A CRITICISM BUT SIMPLY TRUTH IN THE BELIEF OF AN INDIVIDUAL THAT AS OPPOSED TO HER POLITCAL OPONENT, IS SIMPLY CALLING A SPADE A SPADE IN ONE'S GOD GIVEN RIGHT AND ACTUAL EXPECTATION IF ONE IS AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN. SHE DID NOT CRITICIZE OBAMA INDIVIDUALLY, SHE SPOKE WHAT SHE BELIEVES TO BE TRUTH ABOUT THE OPPOSING TICKET, NOT THE INDIVIDUAL. THIS MAY HAVE INCLUDED CREDENTIALS THAT DO NOT SUPPORT THAT TICKET, BUT LIKE MCCAIN, SHE CHOSE IN THE LIGHT (EXPOSURE) OF THE SITUATION TO WHICH SHE HAS BEEN CALLED AND ACCEPTED TO REPRESENT, AND PERHAPS BY A MUCH HIGHER CALLING THAN YOU OR I, TO SIMPLY SPEAK OF TRUTH AND CONVICTION. SHE HAS BEEN WIDELY CRITICIZED WITH SHALLOW ATTEMPTS THAT HAVE NO SUBSTANCE GIVEN THE POSITION SHE HAS ACCEPTED.

TO THE SAME CRITIC THAT POINTED OUT THE POSITION OF HER DAUGHTER I WOULD POINT OUT THAT ONE COULD LIKEWISE RIDICULE OBAMA'S LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO HIS PASTOR.

TO ANOTHER CRITIC THAT POINTED OUT CREDENTIALS...OBAMA'S ARE???...

AS FAR AS HER COMMITMENT TO HER FAMILY... WE ALL SHOULD BE...MAN, WOMAN, BLACK, WHITE, PURPLE, YELLOW, ETC.

SHE SPOKE DIRECTLY TO OBJECTIVES THAT SHOULD BE OF CONCERN AND FURTHERMORE HAD TO ESTABLISH A FAMILIARITY OF CHARACTER, ABILITY, DISCERNMENT, AND YES, THE TENACITY... TO HANDLE THE POSITION SHE HAS BEEN CALLED TO IN ORDER TO EARN THE TRUST AND RESPECT OF THOSE WHO ARE GIVEN NOT THE ENTITLEMENT, BUT GRANTED THE OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE OF SUCH MEN AS MCCAIN TO VOTE!

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AMERICAN THAT BELIEVES IN THE CORE VALUES OF WHICH THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED ON AND A PIT BULL... A PIT BULL KNOWS NO RESTRAINT AND WILL ATTACK ON IT'S OWN SUPPORT WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION. THE LIPSTICK MIGHT WELL REPRESENT SUCH TRAINING, SOCIALIZATION AND RESTRAINT.

Seems the Enquirer has uncovered some real dirt on the family and Sarah. And we all know that whether or not we agree with "cheque-book journalism", it is quite effective these days and right now the Enquirer is on a roll.

I predict a new scandal every 12 hours. And all will prove to be true 100%

Go ahead, let it out. After you're all done with primal therapy...then goes listen to Imagine and and watch Obama fade. You won't really feel any better...it just gives then a headache, but you'll think you have accomplished something...

I think the hysterical diabtribes on display here are very entertaining...you'd probably be better off selling tofu on the Home Shopping Network...

Well well I can see the Obama bloggers are out tonight. You know they actually get paid to do this? He can afford it after all he lied about campaign financing and why shouldn't he with all the terrorists from other countries pouring money to him. Palin was awesome and she has my vote!! Obama bloggers keep going at it but remember you only get to vote once!

A good angry speech which works well for the audience but to millions watching on TV it was nothing but personal attacks which is so demoralizing. No substance only angry words it seemed the media attention really got her bad.

Obama not attacking Sarah Palin watch Anderson Cooper's 360 interview with Obama yesturday. He belittled her and talked about her as if she was only a mayor of a little town and never recognized that she was Govenor of State.. He didn't attack her family but she didn't attack his either... By the way job of the VP is the attack dog... That is why Obama picked Biden he is known for being an attack dog.

Regarding the pit bull joke -- Pit bulls might be mean, but they are dumb. Don't want one (or two) of them running the country. Only thing to do is sic 'em on each other.

Sometimes viciousness is taken for strength. The speechwriters took what they perceived to be her strength and played up on it. Question is, is snarkyness going to fix the country? McCain/Palin, they are quite a pair. Very fitting.

Reading this quote made me feel really sad for this country, "I think it's a smart move for him to pick a woman, because all of us who have voted for Hillary Clinton have no one to vote for."

So everyone who voted for Hilary that are now going to vote for Palin are doing so simply because it is a woman? If McCain happened to die in office, due to old age, would you really want someone who has been governor of Alaska, the most barren state in this country, for less than 2 years and has only been outside of the country one time to be our president? Then the Republicans call Obama sexist for calling her inexperienced?

I'm an independent, and to me right now, the Republicans could not look more pathetic right now. I'm glad the Democrats haven't stooped so low... then the next thing we'd hear is Obama calling McCain racist for calling him inexperienced. It isn't even a logical argument, and picking Palin has no basis except that it is a woman, and people liked Hilary. Truly pathetic.

It's late and I forgot a basic fact. I was hoping to enter a debate with a liberal, but:

Liberals don't care about facts, they don't read and they vote for their special issue. The Democratic party is nothing but a rainbow coalition of proabortion, pro aberrant lifestyles and anti-America.

Somehow they think that all the money is stolen by rich guys.

Just a few years ago Obama did the only thing he ever did that helped business; he supported drug dealers by being a customer.

All this negative talk about how Palin put Obama down. Did you guys not watch the Democratic convention last week where McCain was hammered over and over again. I love how they attach him to Bush yet the Republicans have yet to tie Obama to the congress that is over run with Democrats and has a 9 % approval rating. The only change Obama will bring is what you will have left after taxes!

It is truly amazing, unbelievable and downright sad that so many women are even thinking about voting for McCain/Palin.

I fear for the future of our country if this angry, divisive, smug, disrespectful, hypocritical woman will be a heartbeat away from the presidency simply because she decided to keep her challenged child.

Get a hold of yourselves ladies! Make the smart choice and vote with your head.

I fear for the future of my once proud, successful, competent Rep party. They seem to be grasping in desparation.

Reading through these comments I see are mostly from women, I wonder. I guess I grew up in a different time. The '70s, when women were fighting to be thought of as more than looks and beauty pageants. I am astounded to hear so many women praising s. palin. Her image is exactly what we women have been fighting against. I found her speech to be no more than a mud-slinging, cat-fighting style of woman willing to do anything to get ahead. She showed no signs of intelligence and was thoroughly insulting to me as a woman. I am a republican Obama supporter who remembers what the Clinton's truly were. But s. palin has taught me to at least now respect Hillary as a woman.

ABSTINENCE AND REPUBLICANS
Palin's daughter should be the poster-child for the Republican agenda of "Abstinence" and "Don't teach teens about birth control, sex is a sin". After a few beers, that theory goes out the window.

SCIENCE AND SEX
Let's be real, people have sex and teens should learn about it. Scientific studies (I know that the GOP is scared of Science) have shown that informed teens are actually LESS likely to have sex than uninformed teens. Republicans like Sarah Palin want to keep teens uninformed. But, when the babies arrive, who supports the single mothers?

HEALTH AND GOD
Finally, maybe giving Sarah a baby with Down's Syndrome is God's way of telling Sarah to stop having babies.

That speech was convincing all right. Sarah Palin convinced me that she's nothing more than a "good old boy" in a dress. She was the perfect choice for John McSame but a shameful representative for women everywhere.

Stop voting purely based on partisanship, its disgusting and its ruining our country.

I also find Palin to be a vile person and McCain only chose her to ride the Clinton train, a pathetic political move.

Lets continue fiscal conservatism, its worked the last 8 years.... not

Lets continue waging wars and ignoring diplomacy it has also worked for the last 8 years....

Better yet lets all vote for this dumb broad whos supposed to be a Champion for Conservative values and yet her own daughter is pregnant at 17 and unwed not to mention the statutory rape charge that should be brought against her boyfriend(Abstinence only education seems to be working).

I dont care for Biden but I still find Obama to be the only real option for me.

Doris Smith: You are a dreamer. I sense that with your judgmental attitude and ideas, you don't have children. You can want all the good for your children, but in the end they make their own decisions. How dare you condemn her or her family. Having a baby at a young age isn't the end of the world. She can still go to college and speak many languages.I did.

CLB in Oregon? She lost your vote because her daughter is pregnant. Can you say shallow? So you would have voted for her had she forced her daughter to have an abortion and then brushed it under the rug. Do you know how many politicians have probably done just that? To me this shows how much strength and compassion she has. She has won my vote hands down!

As a mother of three young children and an owner of two businesses; I was disgusted to see Palin deliver her terribly negative attack speech. I was hoping to hear her talk about issues; not slam Obama ever chance she got. She does NOT represent all of us working mothers out there and there is no way I will stand behind her now.

I'm a Hillary supporter who will be voting for Obama. Never-the-less, I was interested in watching the speech tonight and was way open to seeing what sort of person Palin is. Unfortunately, I was very turned off by the disrespectful hammering at Obama, who only a day ago showed compassion for her to the media when he could have viciously thrown her to the wolves. That shows me who has the better morals and character! Watching her, I just found her character to be mean, belittling, demeaning, devaluing, and yes... the same old garbage I hope the majority of this country is totally sick of having in the white house. She had a chance to let us see someone who really cares about others, including her opponent. But it only takes the hateful mocking and school-yard bullying toward even ONE other, to show your level of hate and negarive character. I'm definitely for Obama.

People, people. We need to hear (and do) what is sometimes hard to accept. Times are tough on all fronts, and we need not only be inspired but be bestowed a leader that can move us from inspiration into action.

Whatever your leanings may be, we need to appreciate and recognize how far we've come as a nation. One party nominates for the Office of the Presidency of the United States the first African American ever; the other their first ever woman.

I for one am proud of my country and pleased of the choice that I will need to make this November.

Specifically because times are tough that it is even more imperative that we as a nation have leaders with proven experience to lead (not just discuss/legislate) reform.

You guys were afraid of Sarah she was scary! Yes then maybe our enemies will think she is scary too. Not a push over like Obama not someone that is so pro- our enemies, not someone that wants to tear down our military and then go talk to our enemies. He doesn't put our country first he won't even salute the flag and he didn't push himself away from leftest America haters until his campaign told him to do so. I don't trust Obama he isn't being honest about who he is.

Not impressed with Sarah Palin! John McCain looked ancient and addled up on stage after the speech. Gov. Palin is not the "pit-bull with lipstick" I want to lead the country should something happen to Sen. McCain. As a woman I will not be voting the McCain/Palin ticket!

The Republicans think every day is July 4th. The Democrats think every day is April 15th. As Palin said, more taxing by Obama will send out country spiraling out of control. If small businesses are taxed they will have to go up on their products which will affect all of us. Don't be fooled by his elloquent speeches claiming to tax only the rich. For all of the programs he is planning we are all going to pay!!

Palin delivered a very lively and inspiring speech - she inspired the far right Christian coalition. Not a very good role model to showcase approval for teenage pregnancy. Who is she trying to impress? The uneducated and those who do little thinking and research of issues. She just lost my vote as a woman. Hillary supporters will not be fooled by McCain's tactics.

Sarah Palin impressed me. As a Democrat who supported Hillary Clinton because Barack Obama is simply a weak candidate, I decided to support McCain in November. Hearing Mrs. Palin tonight, made me feel even better about my choice. The Democratic party is a corrupt shell of its former self. In as much as I think that John McCain actually has the necessary character and experience to be president, my vote is also a protest vote against the Democratic party. It's time to clean the Democratic house. Remove Dean, Brazile, Pelosi, et al, and I will return. Otherwise, the party has been ruined, and I will be looking for a permanent replacement.

I was extremely disappointed on how Palin and the rest of the Repub seems to be dividing folks into two categories: either you're with us or against us. They did not seem to want or able to inspire all Americans to work together for a common goal and purpose. I'm embarassed for them.

I cannot believe that so many women are willing to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket just because she is a women. We need to look at the actual issues at hand: the economy, dependence on foreign oil, health care, social security, education, homeland security, outsourcing of high paying jobs overseas, dwindling middle class, and foreign policy just to name a few. Forget about being a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, or even a Woman and look at the issues and how the Presidential candidates propose fixing the issues. Our country is no longer number one in the world in education and just choosing a woman for VP is not going to help the US to improve the educational system. Honestly, what have you ever seen George H. Bush, Dan Quayle, Al Gore, and Dick Cheney do as vice presidents? Nothing. It is embarrassing to be a woman in the US reading and viewing these responses by women who are going to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket because she's a woman who was obviously selected to fool women into voting for the ticket based on emotion by appealing to soccer moms, rural America, and disenchanted Hilary Clinton supporters. If you're going to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket, it should be for how they will resolve the issues in America, and, if you are a woman and especially a mother who has compared the visions of the presidential candidates, you'll quickly find that Obama/Biden has plans that, with the revisions that will definitely come during Presidency (just like with all Presidents whether Republican or Democrat), will go a long way to resolve these issues. Obama is human just like former Presidents; therefore, we know that he will probably only get to one or two of these items in four years (unlike President Bush who promised Conservatives to focus on family values which have continued to erode over the past 8 years of his Presidency). I use to call myself a Republican but now I call myself just an American, an American who is facing her job going overseas and sees no plan from McCain if he were to be President, an American who has seen her elders return to work because Social Security can barely pay their bills. Download a copy of Sarah Palin's speech and really examine it without emotion, and you will find very few realistic plans for our future. Please, don't fall for just voting for a woman. Unless McCain comes up with more plans and realistic plans for addressing these issues, I continue to be just an American who votes for Obama. I never thought I was be so disappointed with the Republicans to ever vote against them.

I am still voting for Obama! Palins speech tonight was so sarcastic, she didn't talk about any important issues, just talking about Obama pretty much the whole time. It just sickens me to think that we as a country would even think about going down the same road for another four years. We need to move forward in so many ways and this childish finger pointing is just setting us back! It was a waste of my night... I'll never get those minutes back!!!!

That was one of the best speeches I have ever heard. Especially with all the bad publicity she has had to endure the last several days. What class and no show of nerves. I would want her to take that 3 AM phone call! I see a new club starting. American Women for Sarah Palin!!

I don't like debates. In my global government books at school, I learned that Jefferson and Hamilton were mean men who were divisive and wrote the non inclusive constitution. I love the real nice man who wears pretty suits. He is so nice. I feel all warm and cuddly . We can all give all of our money to him because he will know best about everything and he will not be a mean daddy: how to educate "the children", give us "hope", teach us how much to eat, let us know how mcuh we need to cut back on, tell us what to wear, teach us to all hold hands and sing pretty nice songs about "one"ness, "peace", and "change". I know that those mean unhip non global mean men who were the misogynist founding daddies would not approve but they were mean. We will no longer have to worry about anything becuase our new national Daddy will love and take care of us.

I do not like the mean lady.

And thank goodness we do not have to elect that very cranky old man who was so mean and boring and talked about ancient history like the constitution and limited government,and devalued dollars: what a mean man.

i dont know why sarah palin questions obamas qualification to be president, because, what has she done? oh thats right she was mayor to a city of 9 thousand and put them in bankruptcy. i dont know why mccain picked her maybe for the womens votes who were going to vote for hillary but we are not that ignorant and dumb we are open-minded women and if he thinks that he can get our votes that way hes not very bright.

I voted for Hillary Clinton, and Palin is pale in comparison to Ms. Clinton.

-----------------

I agree Gov. Palin is NO Hillary.

HOWEVER, given the choice between Obama and Palin......... I WILL VOTE FOR PALIN.

Obama and his supporters spent the last year and a half VICIOUSLY ATTACKING Senator Clinton. He also went out of his way to humiliate Hillary and deny HER the opportunity to make history as the first female Vice President....all for the sake of his EGO.

If he cared about America and really wanted to unite the Democrats he would have picked Hillary as VP. Well the DUMMY didn't and now he has to live with the consequences.

Before tonight I was undecided! Tonight I heard a short term and long term action plan to solve the number 1 issues that faces my family and my business. Energy! I wanted to see how she would react to the comments that have been made about her, was she going to run and hide or would she take them head on! She WON my Vote on how she tactfully and agressively responded to the comments. I have seen myself on the side of the democrats, sitting back and complaining and providing no solutions. Tonight I was shown it is time to stop complaining and to start taking action like Sahara Palin has and I believe she will.

This VP probably won't last a month. Too many skeletons. The Alaska Independent Party wants to secede from the Union and Palin was a supporter for 7 years. She was for the bridge to nowhere before she was against it after the political winds changes. And on and on.

please hilary supporters, dont vote for the mccain/palin ticket because palin is a women. Hilary was supported because of her beliefs and her political views. this women is on the opposite side. she is pro-life, and a member of the NRA. and her speech was full of negativity and didn't have any real facts, it was full of misleading statements.

Facts that have recently come out about Palin:
1. Lied/flip-flopped re: her supposed "rejection" of the "bridge to nowhere." Kept the $$ for that bridge for Alaska anyway.
2. Forced all of the top-level city employees to resign when she became mayor because they weren't in lock-step with her views.
3. Tried to fire the Wasilla librarian because she refused to pull books Palin deemed "unacceptable" from the shelves (Palin favors CENSORSHIP).
4. Supports abstinence-only education in lieu of more comprehensive sex education (despite the fact that the former is a glaring failure in her own family).
5. Has ZERO interest in preserving the environment. Supports the brutal practice of using planes and guns to hunt wolves and bears, in the interests of rich non-Alaskan trophy hunters. Tried to get polar bears de-listed from the endangered species record because they interfere with her oil-drilling obsession.
6. Has a family income of at least $200,000+.
7. Is 100% anti-Choice, even in cases of rape and incest.
8. Is against stem-cell research.
9. Believes the Iraq war is "a task that is from God."
10. Raised taxes in Wasilla when it suited her (some of the $$ went for a new hockey rink).
11. Enjoyed crass jokes with radio shock jocks at the expense of a female political opponent who had suffered from cancer.
12. Keeps decrying press attention on her children, yet keeps putting them front-and-center stage (esp. the pregnant unwed daughter and her boyfriend and Trig, the child with Downs).
13. Is involved in the "troopergate" scandal and is currently under investigation for using her office to pressure/intimidate public officials.
14. Is married to a man who has ties with the Alaska Independence Party, which favors the state's secession from the United States.
15. Is unabashedly pro-big oil (a la Cheney, Bush, etc.).
16. Supports teaching Creationism in science classes.
17. Is a Dominionist with a far-right Christian philosophy.

...and it's been less than a week. If this is what people want a heartbeat (or a hard sneeze) away from the Oval Office, then our country is truly in deep trouble. It's both sad and deeply frightening to think that our standards have fallen so very, very low.

How can you declare a vote for Palin when she didn't say anything? She said nothing on the economy, nothing on health care, nothing on education, nothing about about what really matters. We have had eight years of this! Look at where we are! You really think tax cuts that favor the most affluent is going to bring a radical change for DC. You people are ignoring reality. It makes me sad to think that my country is so full of hate towards one another.

I wish some of you should take a moment and really think. I believe in God, I believe in my country and the last eight years has been a downward spiral to the bottom. Maybe Obama is chump with no experience, but he was right that we are better than this. We can do better, we must before our country is torn apart.

To the person who said that women should admire Palin: That is the backwards pandering who got her nominated in the first place. From my vantage point she is an egomaniacal opportunist who will hold her family up as a shield and an example when it is convenient, and cry victim when it is not. It is morally reprehensible in my book. I've been a stay-at-home mom and a working mom, and nothing about her appeals to me, whatsoever. Anyone who thinks she stands for all, or even many, women is seriously misguided. And, I have faith in the women of this country -- this one ain't gonna fly.

Does every liberal hate America? Take away the liberal universities and they would all be on welfare. This garbage don't work in the real world. Remember which country has to seal the borders to keep people out. I saw people lining up in Moscow for 2 days just for a chance to visit America.

Try another country for even a few days. You'll feel like kissing the ground when you return to free soil.

And there is no such thing as war on drugs. they're never going to leave. there is no such thing as war on racism. it's never going to stop. accept it. there are stupid people in the world as time goes on. war on sex? what the hell? it's not an actual war? it's raising awareness. call it something else. how about the actual war. that was actually everyone's fault. we need a war against war. that's what we need.

The rabid media dogs rolled there eyes back and went into a frenzy, sniffing through all the trash...and she wasn't even fazed. She came out and looked square into the camera and said is that all you got. You wretches better find something better, she just brushed you off like a piece of lint.

Just imagine 4 years as VP, then 8 more as President. Hillary descends into pant suit oblivion and Barry writes more memoirs about doing nothing...and Biden well like he said after the primaries "What do I know?" HAHAHAHAHAHA this is great!

All you haters are sad, sad people...frankly it was an awesome speech... she makes Obama look like a fool, let alone Biden. You invidious distrubed souls better start looking for therapy when McCain/Palin wins.

all republicans here are just brain dead here. no use screaming at them the fact that all their hard work is rewarded to the upper class with tax cuts. if you belong to the middles class then the republicans with amke sure you and your generations to come will stay middle class or lower middle class. However, your fellow rich republicans will get richer and richer.

I HOPE THAT WAS SIMPLE ENOUGH FOR YOU REPUBES. DON"T ASK ME TO SIMPLIFY FURTHER I WILL KILL MYSELF>

I was not impressed. 40 plus year old woman here, undecided until tonight, was looking for answers to my concerns none of them were even mentioned....doubt mccain will do anything new tomorrow....obama is going to get my vote. He's got passion and vision I love his style. Where were all the different races and cultures in the audience? America is a melting pot...the gop convention hall looked all vanilla to me.... talk about out of touch with Americans.

Hey Independant Voter...First of all this is not a democracy, it was never meant to be a democracy, and it never will be a democracy...this is a republic, more specifically a representative democratic republic. If liberal pinheads like you would actually, oh I dont know, read the constitution once, you may figure out that the people that you think are sticking up for your rights are actually the ones that are trying to give more power to the government.

I was reading through the posts here and wondering about the total disconnect from reality. Then I realized this is The Washington Post crowd. The arrogance of the Bowash corridor is beyond belief. The rest of the country, with the exception of LA, does buy into the belief that the people in 'fly-over' country are not different in capabilities to the self-proclaimed 'opinion makers'.

Sorry guys, you are not special just because you live within the beltway, on the island called Manhattan or in the region around Hollywood. Whether you agree with her or not, Sarah Palin gave a great speech and made the case that either John McCain or her are far more ready for the responsibilities of the Presidency than either Barack Obama or Joe Biden.

The commenter who called himself Don Keedic and posted his comment at 1:28am on 4 September sounded so hateful that either he's the kind of Democrat that makes me embarrassed to say I'm a Democrat, or he's a Republican troll trying to make Democrats who don't like Palin sound bad.

I think Palin was a bad choice because I disagree with her stance on most issues, but PLEASE, leave her family, especially her innocent, younger children, out of the discussion. Such cruel language about the Palin's little baby was unbearable to read!

My my all this talk from the left on how she can't manage to be VP and have 5 kids. I thought the left were liberal thinkers. I suppose she should have aborted all 5 kids and then she would have gotten a pat on the back from you. None of these things are said about Obama with his 2 kids. However will he manage? Or Biden when he had 2 kids in the hospital but still became a senator. How did he manage? Stop being such hypocrits! Go McCain/Palin

I have to say it's interesting to read everyone's take on this speech. It's now a couple hours after and I am having a hard time "winding down." Wow!

After the speech, I spoke to a number of different people inlcuding my cousin and my sister all of whom were pretty pumped up!

Some interesting take-aways: Sarah never used Obama's name (used words like "he" "opponent"). With that said, the message was very clear, very pointed and as one person said "she is a torpedo heading towards the ship" (close to an exact quote).

I think I'm going to wear a McCalin-Palin t-shirt for the week prior to voting and am going to encourage others to do the same!!!!!!!!

Also, thinking about buying a sign, and putting a sticker on my car, and I don't even like bumper stickers!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I think it has helped me "wind down.":)

Okay. Whatever. Palin wasn't a good choice. And I don't care if she's a woman. I'd rather a man who knows what he's doing and knows what he is talking about. "Judge a book, by it's cover?" What kind a crap is that in that sentence. That's why are country is slowly declining and everybody hates Americans, because we put it in the lives of people who say this stuff. It's just so moronic to even base a choice by how a running mate looks. C'mon, look at McCain!!!

I wasn't excited about anything politically until McCain selected Sarah Palin...now, I'm ready to campaign for them. Sarah is perfect for the job, and as a new mom myself I greatly support her in representing the people of America as our next Vice President. I also have a completely new understanding of McCain tonight, knowing very little about his background before tonight.
Another thought I keep having is this... Why are the Democrats so angry about her being selected because 'she doesn't have any experience' or that the vetting process wasn't thorough? If this were really true, you'd think they'd be jumping up & down with excitement that McCain picked terribly. The fact of the matter is that Palin is exactly what the Republicans needed, which is why they are lashing out and afraid. Dems SHOULD be afraid, you can tell that Sarah Palin is elegant and has the makings of being political royalty for the rest of her life!
BOY am I excited!!!

and by the way...what speech were some of you listening to? she was VERY SPECIFIC on several issues...energy, taxes, special interests...you all must just tune out when you hear something you don't like :)

As an undecided voter I wanted to give both tickets a chance for my vote. I watched both Conventions with an open mind. Anxiously I waited with America to hear what the potential Republican VP had to offer. Then Ms. Palin opened her mouth and, in my opinion, out came the most hateful, sarcastic, condescending speech I have heard in a long time. (Not only to Obama, but also to many Americans) I will be voting Obama/Biden.

Welcome to the world America! How do you think you can compete in a global economy with people like Sarah Tamlin for Vice President? Personally, I want my daughter to go to college, speak several languages, and not be stuck at 17 with a baby and a teenage husband. Why are you attracted to people who go down instead of people who go up? Obama had a lot more to overcome than Tamlin; he was half black, his father left him. Still, he went to Harvard because he is an amazing smart, driven person. Why is it such a stigma to be smart in America? By the way, they believe in contraception in China.

She gets off on Fighting and Winning but said nothing about our Economy .HMMM Not one comment ABOUT THE DEFICIT- EVERYTHING WAS ABOUT HER. HER HER. She spent at least 20 minutes parading her wierd looking family around on stage. Hey, we don't want to see your family anymore! Keep your wierd family values to yourself and behind closed doors.

Sorry but she reminds me of a State Prison Warden or Police Officer, not a Vice President

what are you people saying that you didn't know about what Obama wanted to do until he came on... So Biden never talked about it and everyone else up to him didn't say anything... So You wanted her to say the things that Biden wouldn't lets not mention that OBAMA had no specifics.. What could Biden, Hillary and everyone else say .. Oh McCain is Bush thats right no they were nice to him comparing him to someone that most of the country has a negative image of ... GIVE IT UP the dems were just as attacking... I heard Obama's speach the entire first 20 minutes he attacked McCain now the Media and him on the campaign trail he has been constantly attacking Sarah for her lack of expreience and it was wrong for her to fight back... You people have the memories of goldfish ... The Dems have been attacking McCain... The most non-partisan law maker in the senate working constantly for reform.

I think Palin has to be a bit more smug to be a woman in a "man's world". We can't expect her to be all smiles, rainbows and ribbons. I think there has to be a balance. I am encouraged by the promise to help families with special needs children. The guy that called her white trash is sadly too bitter to understand that just because she has a pregnant teen does not constitute "trashiness". I didn't like the all the attacks on Obama. I was leaning toward Obama until he picked Biden. I think it was a huge step back. I like Palin and also like McCain's support of adoption.

The commenter who called himself Don Keedic and posted his comment at 1:28am on 4 September sounded so hateful that either he's the kind of Democrat that makes me embarrassed to say I'm a Democrat, or he's a Republican troll trying to make Democrats who don't like Palin sound bad.

I think Palin was a bad choice because I disagree with her stance on most issues, but PLEASE, leave her family, especially her innocent, younger children, out of the discussion. Such cruel language about the Palin's little baby was unbearable to read!

I hardly think she was shrill-maybe that is the DMC old boys club that people hear as they gang together to try and knock her down.
Obama supports the DNC and is part of the attacks, so she addressed the concerns put out by the DNC.

MOTHER OF 4, You're not thinking straight. Do you really believe that McCain will get us out of this mess (Expensive gas, unemployment, illegal war)? I know you are inspired by this beauty queen, but come next week you'll come to your senses and vote for Barrack...

Welcome to the world America! How do you think you can compete in a global economy with people like Sarah Tamlin for Vice President? Personally, I want my daughter to go to college, speak several languages, and not be stuck at 17 with a baby and a teenage husband. Why are you attracted to people who go down instead of people who go up? Obama had a lot more to overcome than Tamlin; he was half black, his father left him. Still, he went to Harvard because he is an amazing smart, driven person. Why is it such a stigma to be smart in America? By the way, they believe in contraception in China.

If you wanted a woman to help bring in your ticket, why didn't you select someone with more experience in leading the country. Heather Wilson for one.

I voted for Hillary Clinton, and Palin is pale in comparison to Ms. Clinton.

After Hillary's loss, I decided to watch the republican convention tonight.

After watching I now know that I will be voting for Obama.

Terroism....Not once did any of you touch on the reality of terror in our own country.

Other countrys is miniscule in comparison to the terrosim that is allowed in our streets with the drug lords running rampid, with slaps on their hands for punishment for endangering the lives of our children each and every day.
what are you going to do about that terrorism in our own back yard?

It also disgusts me that you all have the odacity to talk about family, and yet everyday their are single mothers out there taking care of their children, without help of the fathers. Yet they all have the rights to visitation? And if parents didn't clothe or feed their children, the government would come in and take the childrean away and charge the parents with abuse, yet a father or mother not the primary care giver, is allowed not to support their children yet it's not called abuse?

Sorry but Im voting for change...Obama I believe will make every one accountable to their communities.

So you all expected her to come out nicely? When the media threw her business out everywhere (like they wouldn't ever do to Obama). And stop the fakeness..all of you that talk about how smug and rude she was. What a bunch of hypocrites. What excuses and justifications do you come up with when your campaign acts this way? Even if she gave an Obamawesome speech you all would have still complained. Complain...complain..it gets annoying. It's called playing fair.

Palin made a strong appeal to the conservative base. Only problem is, Bush has destroyed the Republican base. Less people identify as Republicans than ever before. Mark my words, Obama is going to win with over 300 electoral votes.

I do not know what all this whining is about. Poor Obama is being attack? How dare they attack him? I didn't see an attack I saw Sarah Palin questioning HIS experience (as they all have been questioning hers) I saw her challanging his policies and his platform (Oh, I'm sorry I don't think the United States should host tea parties for governments, factions or countries out to destroy us!!) Sarah Palin called Obama out on his plan increase an already to large government (I don't want to have even more of my pay check sent to a government that wants to make even more of it's citizens dependent on it - my bad).
So what that Sarah used a little sarcasm and humor, I actually thought it made her even more human and not so much a political robot. She is actually one of us and she is the real agent of change and don't think for a second that the democrats will not attack her with all they have but what they need is a nice big cold glass of water to swallow that bitter pill of defeat.

Welcome to the world America! How do you think you can compete in a global economy with people like Sarah Tamlin for Vice President? Personally, I want my daughter to go to college, speak several languages, and not be stuck at 17 with a baby and a teenage husband. Why are you attracted to people who go down instead of people who go up? Obama had a lot more to overcome than Tamlin; he was half black, his father left him. Still, he went to Harvard because he is an amazing smart, driven person. Why is it such a stigma to be smart in America? By the way, they believe in contraception in China.

The more Obama camp and media attack Palin and McCain, the more will back fire. Because that would mean they are desperate, they are not following the direction of change and hope they claimed to represent. And more people will sympathize with McCain/Palin because they are the real people that normal folks can identify with, not just some elite talkers.

Are you liberals nuts? You think a great speaker makes a great president? NO it is what is in the heart. Sarah Palin has more class in her pinkie than Obama has in his entire body. Look at his friends and associates. I would take a Mom of 5 with a pregnant teen anyday over an inexperienced smooth talker who hangs out with terrorists. He will get us all killed! He can never lead our country! McCain risked his life for the love of our country and Obama wouldn't even wear a flag pin. No brainer here!

It doesn't take a great speech to point out the farce of a community organizer (whatever that is?) being qualified to be President of the United States. But Sarah speech was Great and the proof is in the HATE and VILE nature of the left in their comments tonight. If she was not a threat to O'baby they would be silent...
The next sixty days will be fun watching the Dems meltdown!

Ya'll, this isn't the 9th grade school president elections. The judgement of John McCain astounds me. I cannot for the life of me see how any thinking person could support that ticket. At least she showed her true colors tonight-- and the facts/details surrounding her experience will all come to light. A servant's heart? Please.

Of course, the R's spent most of the night telling us how unreliable and liberal the media is, so when they uncover how unscrupulous she is, it will all be an elaborate plot that you can't believe, right? Do you Republicans believe every soundbite that is fed to you? You are being set up. I teach critical thinking for a living, and seriously - many of need some serious help!

I bet Hillary is really considering becoming a Republican. They we're the only party to take womens rights serious. So much for "CHANGE"...
OBAMA didnt have the huevos to choose a woman...instead he chose a hardline white dude with old school white house tricks up his sleave.
If you want change.....CHOOSE MCCAIN and PALIN!!

I am a female voter, and I was a little disappointed this lady spent all her time pointing out Obama's credentials, and she hardly has any herself. But that is the Republican way, when they do it is ok, when someone does it, they start crying foul. And I have one advice to little Miss Know It All, you want the news media to be your friend, they can make or break you.

I am sad to think Obama told everyone to stay off her kids and she comes out attacking him the way she did. I was on the fence, I made my decision, I need to hear no more.

Not once did she mention George W Bush, the man who got up into this mess. Listening to her, you would think the Democrats have been in power for the past 8 years. I'm no fan of Obama - but this Amway Lady scares the living daylights out of me. She wants "privacy" but only as it applies to her. She is a total HYPOCRITE and I only hope America is smart enough to see through this fear mongering and hate filled speeches.

Here's a real Male Obama supporter, and "upstanding" member of the community:

1. Paid for more abortions with his first wife than he's had kids.

2. First wife divorces him, finds someone better in bed, and files a stay away order in the process becuase he "abuses and harasses" her.

3. Daughter warns future second wife to be that she doesn't know what her dad (Male Obama Supporter) is "really like". Daughter attempts suicide at 14 and then again via Crystal Meth on Fathers day several years later.

4. Future second wife gets pregnant, Male Obama Supporter wants her to get abortion, future second wife refuses and has kid. Male Obama Supporter's boss suggests it would be best (as a PR guy) if Male Obama Supporter married her.

5. Second wife gets abused by Male Obama Supporter too, divorces him, finds someone better in bed, and eventually has to file an EEO and gets big payout because Male Obama Supporter can't control himself at work and lies repeatedly under oath.

6. Male Obama Supporter buys alcohol for 17 year old daughter at restaurant (pandering vs parenting), then gets so drunk daugther has to drive him home (25 miles).

It seems like very few people know that McCain met with Palin about two weeks ago for an interview in Sedona.. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY MET ... IN PERSON. Basically, McCain knows about as much about Palin as we the people do... I also am friends with someone who worked on one of McCain's senator campaigns a few years ago..I guess he threw a stapler at his head, but missed him by an inch.. McCain is known for his anger issues.. so watch out. I love Palin's stand on abortion.. She believes that even if a woman is raped, "she" should still keep the baby.. oh that's wonderful... AND.. she doesn't believe that humans have an impact on global warming... DUh?? give me a break.. McCain is a McPain. and Palin is a cheesball.. her accent is hysterical!! "OH YAH DER HEY!" She sounds like an idiot

OMG what a speech!! I was very impressed and my mind is made up. MccCain/Palin is getting my vote! Many are saying Palin should not have been divisive? Come on? You think the Democratic Speech made by Obama wasn't divisive? That is what the conventions are all about.

Please let us call spade a spade, Palin lack the ability and to take care of her home front not to talk of the whole of America.We should condemn the reification of teen pregnancy.Some children might take it as a passport to indulge in immoralities since a potential president has approved it.America is in trouble with this ticket.I have wasted my money by attending the convention.I am going the other way pals.

Okay. Did she really just literally call herself a b****? Because she did not really need to, it was already quite obvious at that point. I'm going to go with the candidate that doesn't scare the bajeezus out of me.

Do the republicans think women are idiots. Clearly that's what they wish to express by nominating Palin. I'm so disappointed. Tonight she demonstrated that she's not a bad speaker but she's definately not a great speaker. To say she was amazing is silly and obviously not true. I thought McCain was a good choice because he seemed fair but Palin... I just can't get over the fact that she's a bad person: so extreme and hateful.

You democrats need to get you head out of your {fill in the blank}.
was this war all about oil...YES IT WAS!
OIL is the only thing that lets us do the things us as americans love to do....the things that let us be free to roam the country...and our companies thriving.
WE NEED OIL! GET OVER IT.

Palin was absolutely amazing tonight....she knows the importance of our economy.... Obama has all these pipe dreams that are nearly impossible to accomplish. We will NEVER be oil free unless we drill.. thats a fact.

Im so impressed with palin..shes the WOMAN...just wait till TIME magazine has her on the cover.

What pisses me off is I live in IL he ran for Senator primarily unapposed and was elected. Now what has he done for IL absolutly ****ing nothing he has been out of the senate more than he has been in it. He totally lied when it came to BAIPA he said he would have voted for IL if it had the same amendment as the Federal bill and when it was added he made sure his committee didn't even let it get voted on. His people keep saying there was an old law that protected these infants guess what there wasn't these kids were being put in the trash to die after they were born alive... Who does Obama represent the way far left... Chicago corruption ask him how he got more land for his lot... OH yeah Tony Rezko bought it for him. The only part of IL that likes him is the corrupt Chicago politicians that got him elected.

Wow!!! What a slam-dunk by Sarah Barracuda! "Mayor of a small town is kind of like community organizer, but with real responsibilities". Judging by the stunned media reports and the low-key comments of the liberal pitbulls tonight, Palin polished up the Democratic Party completely! I'd like to see the "independent" media go after her one more time.... if they dare!

Any woman who thinks Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton are interchangeable hasn't been listening. These two are worlds apart. Ms. Palin's speech made me cringe at the thought that she represents my gender.

Woman vp candidate? Typical of Republicans to think they invented something. News Flash: BEEN THERE DONE THAT - 20 years ago!!!!

Palin-good speaker, condescending, mean. Where is her concern for not only the small town people, but for the inner city folks? She obviously either doesn't know or doesn't care about them - which is why it is so easy for her to mock community organizing. THAT IS ALSO WHERE THE COMMON PEOPLE RESIDE AND MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD!!

Okay, we now know that she can read a teleprompter and deliver a speech. The real question is can she lead this country. McCain could drop dead and this is what we would have to lead us. No thank you. She maybe a great mother but is she qualified to be VP. Many people have disabled children and pregnant teens, I hope voters can separate that from the important question. Is she qualified?

The Obamatrons are out in full force tryig to change public opinion by sending thousands of morons to the websites to protest Palin with such ugliness. Why do you Obama supporters always have to be vicious and hateful? Oh - maybe because your MEssiah and his mentors are all vicious and hateful. Palin put Obama right in his place. Bravo.

It has been a typical Karl Rove orchestrated convention. If we want the same old neoconservative government that we have now, vote McCain/Palin. After 8 years of the same crap they had to go all the way to Alaska to find a politician naive enough to still believe that the American people should be controlled through religion, the mores of which do not actually apply to you if you are a true Republican. Lets see if we have enough fingers to count all of the divorces of the Republican leaders speaking at the convention.

Hey dopes! You are going to vote for a man whose first response to the Russian aggression in Georgia was to let the UN Security Council handle it. Well I don't know about you but I would expect my potential Commander In Chief to know that this would probably not be a very effective way to handle a problem with Russia since they have veto power on the Council.

The Republicans showed their trashiness tonight. Sarah Palin was just YUCK! Some family values with her knocked up teen. She doesn't need to be talking about anyone! I felt like I was watching Jerry Springer lol.

A well written and perfectly executed pack of lies. Hateful and Sarcastic. This hypoctite woman touts family values and has a son who didnt finish high school and only joined the Army to aviod a drug conviction, a daughter who cant keeps her legs closed,her hillbilly husband - and of course Ms Palin herself - popping out a retarded kid for her dysfunctional family to take care of. Go figure!

I don't completely agree with either party on most issues...but I have to to say I am more impressed with the McCain/Palin ticket overall and the DEMS have lost my vote. I want a Pres and VP who are committed to the "country first."

My 9 year old daughter was inspired, my wife was moved to tears. Did you see Piper smoothing out the baby's hair with her spit? What does this say about McCain's judgment? DEAD ON! I can hardly wait for her to debate with Biden! Pop the popcorn! Obama: Na-na-na-na hey-hey-hey... goodbye!!!!!!

Palin the NRA head, someone who has used her own down syndrome chile to elevate her own image. Her speech was nothing but clueless, pathetic and desperate. Clearly someone wrote the words for her and she read on. Whay are all republicans already talking about her becoming the next president? Are they worries that their dear Mccain is not going to be around for long?
Great!!!!! That is what this country needs now, a presidential candidate do is not expected to live a full term and a ambitious and desperate hopeful as a VP nominee.

Lots of dimwitted comments from people on the Left and in the Middle complaining that thet don't feels sufficiently persuaded by Vice President-Elect Palin's speech tonight.

Um...people on the Left, and in the Middle? News Flash: SARAH PALIN DOESN'T NEED TO PERSUADE YOU OF ANYTHING. You can go vote for Obama now, like candy-pants pansies like you were going to do all along anyway. We don't need your votes anymore. You are irrelevant. We now have the only thing we needed but weren't getting until now: GUARANTEED MASSIVE VOTER TURNOUT FROM CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANS.

I think the pick is gonna back fire based on the fact that they are reminding people of Hilary and at the end of the day she is far from Ms. Clinton and ask yourself if the far right cooks aren't playing the sexist card sexist card.

The daily scandals coming from the Palin family is important. The republican cheerleaders can send their operatives to comment on any website. But, I don't believe one speech will erase all the news that is coming out daily about Palin and her family. For those operatives who claim to "over the moon" after one speech--save it. As an unpaid, unbiased observer, as soon as I read the fifth Palin family scandal, I was convinced not to vote republican this time...and I supported and donated to Huckabee. (Hang my head in shame)

Who knew? The Democrats have been the misogynists all along. Look how they treated Hillary (more than unjust and disgraceful) - and now look how they are demeaning Palin with unbelievably sexist and unfounded statements. Looks like the Republican Party is the new party for women.

I'm from Canada and was shocked at the outright smugness and mean-spirited demeanour Palin has. She appears to be an angry, resentful woman who looks for victims to abuse. Her aggression is mis-placed and probably out of control once challenged in a one on one situation. She scares us up here a lot because her reckless approach could very well cost Canadian troops more lives.

Does she have any idea what she's talking about?

We are shocked at the revelations already surfacing about her but are holding our breath to see what's coming down the road that will come up. The "real" scandals are yet to come I'll bet. The Republicans must be getting really nervous about what bombshells will come out.

By the way, up here in Canada, Child Protective Services (Childrens Aid
Society) would already be worried about that infant being dragged around and being passed around like a football in a very loud and chaotic arena. Why is she using her toddler and 4 month old infant as if they are props in a side show?

Please someone, check the infant's hearing soon for damage. I imagine the hearing societies are not impressed at all.

Ans Sarah worries about people attacking her family?...........huh?.......and yet it is her that is attacking her own children by abusing them all emotionally!!

Obama and Biden are the real deal and are a class act!!

Take the kid gloves off and go after her!!

She'll show her true self in an unscripted interview or debate without a doubt.

Although I'm to the left of the two-party system, with Obama's foreign policy barely different from that of the last sixteen years, I decided to watch Palin's speech. I had seen something on YouTube, which made her sound attractive. I was appalled at her mean-spirited, pointless attacks on Obama/Biden. Does McCain have executive experience? Zero, zero, zero. that's what Sarah Palin is: a zero, hardly the complement to the gruff, crabby McCain that the Repubs needed.

I like many of you heard the same thing. Sarcasm, and no substance. It is ashamed that a 5 year journalism student delivered such a mean spirited speech. She would have been better off trying to write her own speech. Ms. Palin, get in line behind the other more qualified candidates for our countries highest positions. You are not the one. Not this time. Maybe after you pursue an advanced degree and learn how to write your own speeches you will then be able to even address Senator Obama.

So republicans are supposed to rollover and not say anything? That's real good. I hear negative comments from the left side everyday! They will give it all day, but you better not say anything negative about their sweetheart Obama. That just sounds unfair to me. And another thing..Palin had to introduce herself in this speech. She has enough time to bring up her politics and issues later. Just wondering...Why can't people look it up themselves? How lazy is that? We're about to vote for our president. Do your own homework! Don't let the media do it for you!

I have to laugh at all you "leaning Repub now voting democrat" what a joke. Anyone who was really leaning repub would have loved Sarah Palin. Every dig on Obama is absolutely true!! He is nothing but an arrogant phony, and you all have yourselves to blame when our country goes to hell after he is elected.

Its funnny last week the Dems didn't talk about the issues that much and they attacked, attacked, attacked McCain... What issues didn't she talk about the economy, energy, the threatening world we live in.. Oh just to let you know Obama attacked her yesturday saying he had more experience running a campaign then she had as a mayor... and didn't bother to mention she was Govenor at all. Re-read last weeks speeches. They were all attack with little substance and still no one explained Obama's total history.

If you mean greedy, uneducated, cravenly maneuvering, posing as religious when the farthest thing from it, you're right: She IS a normal Republican, and thank God the Democrats don't have any of those.

You'd think you Republicans would have learned your lessons after voting in Bush (or stealng the election, I should say) twice in a row. But that's the trouble with brain deficiencies: you don't learn from consequences. You just keep repeating the same mistakes over and over. But the trouble is, you take down the smart people with you. Can't you all just move to Alaska, please? You can all let your teen daughters get knocked up by self-proclaimed "f****** rednecks," take government hand-outs, and shoot moose. You won't have to read. You won't have to think about anything but shooting and making noise and exploiting every last resource. Go on now, go!

Same old Grand Old Party not that of Lincoln but of Hoover- Bush recessionary era. Different setting by using a Hockey Mom and President of PTA to be the new attack dog of Karl Rove draped into another spin of a caring Mom. This is a continuation of the Horton Furlough during the run of Dukakis, Kerry's achilles' heel on Swift Boating or Al Gore's outplanking the sensual Bill, now they chose Sarah Palin b/c she represents rural america (their target), the disenchanted Hillary voters (the 2nd target), the Christian Conservatives of the South and Midwest (holds the purse)with an appeal of a new running soap opera VP candidate. The more media scrutinized her, the more she becomes the aggrieved lady knight with a shinning armor. While the nation's attention is fully rivvetted with poor Sarah and her son with disability, they forgot the 8 year blunder of Bush-Cheney. What happened to our unfavorable balance of trade with Europe, China, Japan, Germany and Middle East; the burgeoning deficits; unemployment and outsourcing of jobs; sub prime mess; declining value of dollar; $4 per gallon & highest profitability of oil companies; corruption by the CEO's and sleazy politicians, 4,000+ lives that were wasted on the wrong war and 20,000 more maimed thinking that they were fighting for their country on the premise of bad intelligence; the isolation of America from the league of allied nations; the emergence again of Neo-Cons; the illegal immigration; high cost of agricultural feeds and chemicals; and finally, the rise of crime due to unemployment in many urban poor areas. Where are those issues? The Hockey Mom never mentioned these issues, the United States of America has been capsulized to the size Wasalla. If the intellectual American voters buy this ploy, the Democrats, Americans indeed had gone to the dogs!

Hey all you demos... Are you forgetting? This was a speech aimed at solidifying the Republican base. At that, there is no doubt that is succeeded. Biden was just as rough and sarcastic... Maybe a little sexism is creeping in here? (just not womanly - ya know!)

The lady looks nice but the issues were just not there.Obama/Biden ticket looks more serious.I wonder what would have happened if Obama had had such controversies trailing Palin. I had always loved the Republicans
but for this elections I think the Democrats have done a better search for their tickets. I am voting OBAMA.

LOL - it's so funny that alot of you think she's funny enough to be on SNL cause she's smart, capable, tough and as a quick wit and nice to look at. I guess you've forgotten you've got an old smart crabby blabber mouth who is an eyesore for a vp on the democratic ticket. Sarah or Joe? Duh. Sarah of course.

Same old Grand Old Party not that of Lincoln but of Hoover- Bush recessionary era. Different setting by using a Hockey Mom and President of PTA to be the new attack dog of Karl Rove draped into another spin of a caring Mom. This is a continuation of the Horton Furlough during the run of Dukakis, Kerry's achilles' heel on Swift Boating or Al Gore's outplanking the sensual Bill, now they chose Sarah Palin b/c she represents rural america (their target), the disenchanted Hillary voters (the 2nd target), the Christian Conservatives of the South and Midwest (holds the purse)with an appeal of a new running soap opera VP candidate. The more media scrutinized her, the more she becomes the aggrieved lady knight with a shinning armor. While the nation's attention is fully rivvetted with poor Sarah and her son with disability, they forgot the 8 year blunder of Bush-Cheney. What happened to our unfavorable balance of trade with Europe, China, Japan, Germany and Middle East; the burgeoning deficits; unemployment and outsourcing of jobs; sub prime mess; declining value of dollar; $4 per gallon & highest profitability of oil companies; corruption by the CEO's and sleazy politicians, 4,000+ lives that were wasted on the wrong war and 20,000 more maimed thinking that they were fighting for their country on the premise of bad intelligence; the isolation of America from the league of allied nations; the emergence again of Neo-Cons; the illegal immigration; high cost of agricultural feeds and chemicals; and finally, the rise of crime due to unemployment in many urban poor areas. Where are those issues? The Hockey Mom never mentioned these issues, the United States of America has been capsulized to the size Wasalla. If the intellectual American voters buy this ploy, the Democrats, Americans indeed had gone to the dogs!

I am writing as a real suburban mom, not a partisan republican hack. I was willing to give Palin a chance. My husband works hard so that my daughter will have a chance at a better life. I stay home to guide her and try to keep her out of trouble. We have spent tens of thousands of dollars on books, classical piano lessons, private school, etc. We did it so that our daughter would have the chance to be the best that she can be. We try to give her moral guidance, which means--no sex with boys. I am home to try to prevent teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. Seeing people praise Palin's family makes me wonder, if teen pregnancy, lying and corruption is what they want their children to aspire to. I told my daughter that having a baby out of wedlock would make her life difficult. I told her to complete her education first, then think about a husband and family. The glorification of the Palin family is threatening to undo what so many parents are trying to accomplish with their children--give them a chance at a better future.

Ok. My problem with Sarah Palin's speech (besides the fact that it was very angry and divisive) is the fact is that I still don't know anything about her. Sure she gave a hyped up speech to her cultish base, but all she did was attack Obama and didn't really give us a real feel of who she is as a person. I think that the McCain campaign really made a mistake here. She had a chance to redefine herself. She could have used sympathy to gain more votes, but when she came out swinging like that, she opened herself up to a wrath of attcks. I hope that she is ready because she can't cry foul this time. Also, I think that she probably got the right wing really fired up, but turned off tons of indies & conservative dems. Too angry.

She is as arrogant, snarky, divisive and condescending as McCain. And, yep, the speeches tonite failed to provide any kind of vision. It's hilarious to me that they blame the liberals for everything when we've had Republicans in the congress, senate, white house and on the SC for most, if not all, of the past eight years. Ridiculous! Talk about passing the buck and treating me like I have a low IQ and don't know who's led us into the mess. I'm an independent, and I want change. Obama seems more bipartisan and moderate. I'm voting for Obama/Biden.

Palin's talk.Just more of the same old tired and dirty politics.All designed to stir up emotions and nothing else. Fortunately such effects are usually short lived leaving the audinece later one wondering what it was all about.

"I listened to it on the radio and I thought I was listing to an SNL skit. That speech was the most armature piece of writing I have ever heard from 44 year old woman who wants to be VP of our country. Ranting like a school girl mad at her boyfriend. Do you really want a lipstick packing pit-bull Soccer Mom PTA Press to be second in charge of our country? Disgusting I've seen better on All My Children

Posted by: Andrea | September 4, 2008 1:12 AM"

It was sort of reminiscent of Erica Kane. Good show, no substance that will help me and my family. Plus they negated McCain's credentials. He has no executive expereince. NADA. Maybe Palin should be at the top of their ticket.

more of the same -- xenophobia and militarism. You can't pitchfork us out of the quagmire in Iraq, and foreign policy requires more than giving a baseball bat to a derelict, pointing out the hornets' nest that is the middle east, and playing pinata with it.

We need brains. The repugs clearly lack them. This speech, as proof, had almost no policy proposal to it.

Wow - she is everything we need in a candidate - she really brought it and delivered it with style!

the women I know are all impressed to have such a fabulous and accomplished woman running on the GOP ticket. Finally someone who speaks for us!

Funny how mean spirited some 'grown ups' can be going after a strong woman by attacking her kids. That alone really tells us something.
I find it sad that people who are 'pro-choice' are only pro the choice that they make - and not the choices others make - they do not speak for me and never will.

I was absolutely impressed by Sarah Palin's speech tonight. She is truly the only one that represents change and not the change towards a socialist society that Obama wants. As a true believer in a democratic society I am 100% in support of McCain/Palin in November.

All she proved was that she's a damn good liar and propogandist. She fits in well with Bush-McCain-Rovian political machine. But she's not good for America and she doesn't speak to my concerns and views as a woman, American, wife, mother and daughter of a military veteran. Peace.

For those who do not see through this selfish, conniving, greedy woman's act.....a woman who is so bored with her children she leaves them to be raised by her adrenaline-junkie husband (when he's not out wrecking the wilderness in his snowmobile)... your judgment is beyond off.

Look below the surface, people. Narcissists always look good on the outside, and they have an unerring ability to tell you what you want to hear. A woman like that obviously has no personal connection with God. She thinks she IS God, like George Bush. Pathological.

As far as being "anti-corruption," she simply wants to shift those dollars to flow into her (and her family's pocket. Look at how her first move as "mayor" (if you can call it that in a town of 7,000) was to get millions of federal earmarks. Old farmsteads went under to put up big-box stores--all in the name of "growth," which for the likes of Palin means $$$$$$ and power.

Alaska is full of opportunists--losers who couldn't make it in the lower 48 because they're too addled brained or lazy. They go there because of all the resources and the way the government gives handouts to all the citizens. And people like Palin and her husband--and that secessionist party--cannot wait to wrest all that lucre from the federal government and claim it as their own. Self-centered greed, poor impulse control, and no conscience. You can see it in their eyes.

These people aren't religious. They're craven sociopaths.

And if you can't see that, you really should start educating yourself. I'm tired of living with your ignorant voting decisions.

The cognitive dissonance is astounding. She LIED AGAIN about the Bridge to Nowhere. She attacked community organizers. Giuliani attacked Obama's single-parent upbringing as "elite." This is the most disgusting night I've ever witnessed in American political history. The media applauded her ability to lie. That is right, most of them sat there dumbly and applauded while she read the attack lines someone else had written with conviction. She could be the most powerful person in the world in six months. This is completely unbelievable.

Oh, "stunned" deal with it. This is the real world where women with guts are needed. There are lots of women on this blog who have forgotten what it's like to be women in most spots of the world. Read a few international newspapers .. . . will you? (Women were buried alive recently for chosing their own husbands!!!). Get a vagina - will you!!!!?????

There's no question now that I will cast my vote for Mccain/Palin. Her speech was a slam dunk. I'm sensing a lot of panic in the Obama supporter's comments. McCain will speak to us Thursday. It will be interesting.

Palin knocked a homerun. The liberals will try to smear her and the obama team is ruthless but they can't touch her. She is one of us, a normal American, the democrats have few of them and McCain doesn't sell the package, BUT Palin will bring the conservatives together and that will make CNN, MSNBC,NBC,ABC and a lot of other initials mad. She came along at a great time!!!! Good choice McCain.

I was undecided until I saw how untactful she is. Barack Obama is the ONLY "celebrity" that defended her and said to leave her family alone and then she responded with such a condescending,rude and inappropriate tirade that was uncomfortable to watch.

To think I almost felt bad for how the media "abused" her... what a pathetic little woman.
YUCK!

What an obnoxious, negative, partisan, divisive speech! Wow! I was actually scared of Sarah Palin, but boy, she just shot herself in the foot but good.
This is exactly the sort of garbage the Republicans have been shoveling for years and it was nice to see the whole style of rhetoric fail so dramatically.

I can't quite figure it out, but between Giuliani insinuating all Muslims who get upset at hearing "Islamic Terrorists" are themselves Islamic terrorists, the speaker who said he joined the Republican party because he didn't want handouts from the US Government, and Ms. Palin's smug demeanor while reading a speech that was mostly likely written by someone else, I got turned off tonight. Although I had already decided to vote for the Obama/Biden ticket, I don't consider myself strongly partisan and had hoped that the Republicans would try to welcome others into their fold. Rather, it seems to me that they were/are whipping up nationalistic fervor at the expense of inclusiveness. I am trying hard to keep following the Republican Convention, but they seem to be pushing me away. Also, as an African-American man, I keep scanning the crowds for people of color and trying to find signs of inclusiveness but...I don't quite see it. JPL

Sarah, you were shrill. I've heard plenty of attacks on Obama. What about you.?! Shouldn't you explain your own ideas first. Who are you? 8 weeks from now you want to be the 2nd most powerful person in the world? I'm not convinced.

It's humorous to read that she was too tough on Obama after all the grief that has been dished on her. How many of the Democrats posting here blogged to complain about her treatment by the press?

I know it's tough to look objectively at a speech when your candidate didn't fare too well, but the fact is, her speech was a grand slam. She was poised, authentic, and demonstrated that she has more experience than the Democratic presidential candidate.

The Obama campaign shouldn't expect the Republicans to pull any punches. Politics isn't a picnic.

WOW ... Governor Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican convention was nothing short of amazing. During the next 60 days, she is going to hold Obama's and Biden's feet to the fire. I can't wait to see the debate between Governor Palin and Senator Joe Biden ... who I expect her to splice n' dice.

"She's facing the same challenges as a lot of Americans -- a pregnant daughter, a disabled son, balancing work and family," he said.

Republicans have got to be kidding. I don't want some white trash Hockey Mom with the problems above as VP. And "drill baby Drill"? Unbelievable. They should do an Ad with Mcain and Palin riding a giant screw into the ground yelling "Yee-haww" ala Dr. Stranglelove- Of Course Republicans won't get it because they don't know that movie.

I listened to it on the radio and I thought I was listing to an SNL skit. That speech was the most armature piece of writing I have ever heard from 44 year old woman who wants to be VP of our country. Ranting like a school girl mad at her boyfriend. Do you really want a lipstick packing pit-bull Soccer Mom PTA Press to be second in charge of our country? Disgusting I've seen better on All My Children

You would think with all the scandals streaming from Palin and her family, she would try to be more likeable. Or at least show us she has a grasp of the serious issues facing our nation--but, nooooo. Sorry, voting Obama and I am ashamed I ever supported Huckabee.

It's amazing how that after all the attacks made by the rumormongers, that when she fights back, those same rumormongers reminisce how they were thumped back in High School by girls that were more intelligent than them.

The Repugs almost led me to believe that I am drawn to Obama only because of his oratory skills. Tonight, Plain proved that anyone, but Bush, can deliver a great speech. I now know that I am drawn to Obama because of his clear delivery of the issues. If the Repugs think this Old Man and his side kick are 1) going to get us out of this housing crisis, 2) work on educating our citizens to compete with the rest of the world, 3) get us out of this deficit, and 4) prevent us from going into needless wars, they are kidding themselves. We need a diplomat, not someone led by 'values' they don't even believe in.
Wake up America, the Repugs want a free market led by freeloaders. If America is about capitalism, then let the American people be capitalists and charge these company rent (i.e. taxes). The Repugs would rather us be owned by corporations. And . . . YES we are owned, from our homes to our education, we are owned by companies that lease us out to foreign countries.
As for Palin, she delivered her speech well and if Alaskans want to drill in ANWR than go ahead. Spare our oceans though, I love seafood.

She had some good one-liners, but overall she came off mean, arrogant, and uninformed. She mocked community organizers. She lied again about the bridge to nowhere. She lied about Obama not authoring any reforms or laws. And she failed to mention that as a mayor she left her city in debt (when they previously had a surplus)

I watched her daughter spit in her hand and slick the son's hair down...uuuggghhhh. How trailer trash can you get?? And the people at the RNC convention scare me...where is the diversity??? I didn't see anyone there that looks like they represent me or anyone I know.

as a woman whose mind was made up very early on(obama), can i ask a question to those hillary supporters who want to vote for mccain because they like palin?

can you tell me what it is you like about hillary that you also like about palin? i'm trying to reconcile the two, but on substantive issues, they are night and day (health care, labor, abortion, taxation, environment).

when i try to fill in the blank, i'm left with the answer "i will vote for a woman b/c they are a woman." but this can't be the only reason, can it?

WOW ... Governor Sarah Palin's speech at the Republican convention was nothing short of amazing. During the next 60 days, she is going to hold Obama's and Biden's feet to the fire. I can't wait to see the debate between Governor Palin and Senator Joe Biden ... who I expect her to splice n' dice.

Sarah, the Snark, Palin. Red meat for the kool-aid drinkers. We've heard the same stuff from Republicans for years and where has it got us? America has had enough of that crap. Kiss it goodbye Republicans,

You did a fantastic job tonight! As a person (now definitely voting for Obama), I'm thrilled. You are making history as the first woman republican on the presidential ticket you could have come out with class highlighting your fast rise to political power, but no. You couldn’t have made yourself look any less classy and the Democratic Party any better.
Instead you gave a short summary of your history and family and spent most of the rest of the time insulting democrats. You degraded the role of a community organizer! “I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities." Wow that's just mean! Then she basically suggested that the dems have no patriotism by “There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you. Like the only way you can fight to prove loyalty to America is by being a POW. My father fought in Vietnam and is disgusted with how McCain is using his POW experience to gain sympathy and loyalty from Americans.
On top of all that, she lied! She did support the bridge to nowhere and Obama does have a plan to eliminate our dependency on Middle East oil within 10 years by looking into and investing in new energy resources. And by the way, Obama and Biden actually defended her just a few days ago and have put out no public attacks on her, but she just insulted them for 30 minutes straight. A little more tact would be nice. I'm a woman and will not be voting for the McCain/Palin ticket.

Sarah, I'm sure your a great mom, but definitely not VP material. Your daughter and her alleged fiancé looked pissed! They couldn't hide it. You use your kids and disabled son to get votes and suppor. That's really sad! As for Mcain he really looks old and sickly!

Whatever you think of the candidates, the Obama campaign a few weeks back argued that it is all about trying to identify the truly undecideds in this election and is crafting its message to them. The respect the Democratic ticket has shown McCain and now, Palin since her selection, suggests they believe undecided voters are tired of the partisanship you saw tonight. It played great in the hall. We'll see about those who matter.

She sounded like a high school girl ripping on her ex-boyfriend who just dumped her. She had an opportunity to show the nation that women DO BELONG in politics at this level. But instead, she came across as an angry teeny-bopper who just wanted to throw out insult after insult. For those of you who see this woman as someone who is going to unite, you better take another look in the mirror. There was nothing but negativity from her, hardly any policy proposals, and an energy independence plan that sounded an awful lot like Obama's.

Republicans have lost control of their own party, clearly shown in the spending by the moron in office. Forget small gov't. They've made it the biggest it's been in ages and have given us more debt than ever. If we don't suck it up now, who is going to pay that off?

Get real people. The system is broke with the GOP in office, and we're only headed for more problems with a McCain/Palin ticket in the White House.

I was leaning McCain up to now because I thought he brought a more substantive and uplifting tone to the campaign. Sarah Palin has destroyed that. I supported Hillary Clinton in the primary because I thought she was tough and had a strong agenda. I moved to McCain afterward because I just didn't hear any specifics from Obama - at least until his acceptance speech, which was quite good. I wanted to like Sarah Palin. Her story is inspiring in many ways.

But she was just petty out there tonight. She came across to me like somebody who got stiffed in high school and is plotting her revenge. I actually felt really uncomfortable watching.

I can't imagine voting for McCain/Palin. I guess I'll go with Obama in the end, even though I couldn't imagine that a few months ago.

Dannah in KY - I'm always offended when I hear or read posts dumping on KY, TN and WV for "backwardness," so I was disappointed to read your post. Everybody running in the race is an American, dear...it's a requirement.

After Sarah Palin's carefully written and abusive speech, I realize I am making the right choice by voting for Obama. The attacks on Obama were rude, backwoodsy and unprofessional. She should have focused on real issues. She lost my respect!

Though I haven't yet seen her speech, this was very interesting, if demoralizing. As a woman it pains me to say it, but women quoted came across as easily manipulated and concerned with irrelevancies compared to the few guys.

As for the woman who said, "All us women had no one [before Palin] to vote for" she doesn't speak for millions of us committed to the Democratic platform.

She looked small and sarcastic. A couple lines were good - the hockey mom as pit bull with lipstick. But the mockery was unbecoming for someone (man or woman) just introducing themselves to the national stage.

She was an utterly uninspiring and mean person up there and the sea of white faces ate it up (yes, I'm white too).

I bet she fired up the Democratic base tonight.

I also think it's fair to say that the media and Obama have every right to take her to the woodshed.

I found Palins speech a strong speech but very sarcastic and the republicans never laid out a plan about how they are going to fix the economy or anything else including energy. I was insulted, very insulted when she mocked and criticized the community organizers. What does Palin think community organizers are? Or who does she think they are. There regular people in the community even pastors, hospitals, schools, all have community organizers that are lead by regular people in the community. Mccain and Palin talk a good game or say its real talk or straight talk but they can't seem to refrain from insulting regular people who are on hard times and are in desperate need for community organizers to help with the disaster that the leader of her party and the head of her ticket has left us with. Maybe she is a mayor, or a governor but that doesn't give her the right to offend those of us little people in America that chose to do the hard work and daily interactions and problem solving when Mayors and governors like her gives speeches and takes credit for it. She has allot of nerve walking on the set out of no where and offending the community organizers of the world. Does she know that theres not a community in this country that doesn't have them or many of them. If she had any sense and really were for the people she would commend the community organizers that stand up for people who are down on their luck when they voices are being ignored to bring to give them a sense of being. This Lady whom ever she is or thinks she is just as out of touch as Mccain.

Every woman that I have talked to tonight said it was extremely divisive and that the Repubs in the audience looked scary. As a woman who was leaning Repub, I realized that I have nothing in common with people like that. It was like ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK! Where were the issues?

When the liberal news and Obama campaign dish it out, they now know they had better know how to take it too! Sarah Palin is a barracuda! You go girl! I am a woman and a democrat voting for the American ticket of McCain-Palin. It is the vote for America!